The Problem:
Cost-effective renewable energy sources are needed more than ever to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) solar cells are gaining popularity to meet this need due to their relatively low production costs. However, this technology requires doping in order to reach the efficiencies required for commercial viability with traditional techniques utilizing Group I elements such as copper that lead to significant degradation over time. This highlights the need for a new doping method that improves efficiency without harming long-term stability.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed an improved doping process for CdTe solar cells that utilizes Group V elements such as phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony. The easy-to-implement process allows for precise control over doping levels that can be seamlessly integrated with existing CdTe processes. The approach is able to significantly reduce the long-term degradation associated with current doping techniques while also improving the efficiency of the resultant solar cells relative to those techniques.
Group V Doping Process
Benefits:
Patent:
US11257977B2