Photovoltaic Technologies

This course will focus on several solar-cell technologies: silicon solar cells based on (multi)-crystalline wafers, thin-film solar cells based on thin silicon films, cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper-indium-(gallium)-(di)selenide (CIS to CIGS), III-V solar cells and concentrators, and organic and perovskite solar cells. For these various technologies the device concepts, the specific properties of the materials required, and the manufacturing and processing methods will be discussed.

Before these technologies will be discussed, an in-depth treatment of semiconductor device physics for solar cells and light-management concepts will be given that are applicable to all technologies. Issues included are recombination at interfaces, passivation, heterojunctions, various principles of light-scattering, anti-reflection coatings, and textured interfaces.

The course will be assessed by a combination of a written final examination and three graded non-mandatory assignments. The final mark for this course, F, will be based on the final examination, E, and the average results for the non-mandatory assignments, A. All marks will be expressed on a scale of 0 to 10.

For calculating A, the average of the three assignment results is used. Non-mandatory assignments that are not handed in or not handed in on time will have a score of 0. The results for the non-mandatory assignments will be valid only within the academic year in which these assignments have been made. Results for non-mandatory assignments obtained in previous academic years will not be taken into account.

The final mark, F, for this course will be computed as follows: F = E + [A x (10 - E)/100]. The computation will be carried out using one decimal and subsequently rounded to halves.

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).