This book discusses the manufacturing processes of photovoltaic solar cells, from conventional silicon cells, to thin-film technologies and ending with the cutting-edge technologies of third-generation photovoltaics. The rapid advances in photovoltaic technologies are propelled by the discovery of new materials through innovative routes of synthesis and deposition. For example, the exponential enhancement in efficiencies of perovskite solar cells between years 2015 and 2020 is a direct result of the availability of new materials to capitalize on innovative manufacturing techniques. Currently, efficiencies of up to 25.5% are achieved by perovskite solar cells technologies.
This book is intended for scientists and engineers who are keen on having a solid understanding of conventional manufacturing processes of bulk silicon for photovoltaic purposes, as well as advanced processes used to synthesize materials for emerging photovoltaic technologies such as thin-film and third-generation PV. The book is designed to be self-contained to allow the reader to develop knowledge and experience in materials selection as well as a good understanding of pertinent manufacturing process to arrive at best device performance. The technologies presented are also analyzed for its energy and environmental impacts.