High-Efficiency PV Solar Cells

The course can be seen as a follow-up of PV Technologies and will discuss current developments in the field of high-efficiency solar cells: both single junction solar cells and tandem (and even multi-junction) PV devices. Besides silicon-based solar cells and modules the course will cover thin-film devices such as the novel perovskite solar cells. Details of processing and characterization techniques of PV absorber materials and the solar cell's functional coating will be discussed. Examples of lecture topics are advanced light management structures, novel surface passivating layers and contacting schemes. Background of deposition technologies such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) will be given. Furthermore, working principles of special coatings and its functionality when applied to different solar cell concepts, including tandem devices, will be presented.

This course is an elective one following the solar profile. It is recommended to have the courses PV Basics and PV Technologies concluded successfully.

The final grade consists of the following parts:

• presentation (team work) (50% of final grade);

• written exam (individual) (50%);

Both marks will be expressed on a scale of 1 to 10 and should be 5.80 or higher.

Reports on the assignments shall be completed as well, and assessed as sufficiently good (no specific mark).

In case of an insufficient final result, repair options may exist in accordance with Article 17A, Times and number of examinations, sub 1, of the Teaching and Examination Regulations.

Disclaimer: information may change depending on unforeseen circumstances or measures (see: TER Art 2, sub 5).