Novel application of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia as a substrate for thin film CIGS solar cells

Yttria Stabilized Zirconia [YSZ] has a number of qualities that make it attractive as a substrate for fabrication of thin film copper indium gallium diselenide [CIGS] solar cells: these include flexibility, a smooth surface, lack of impurities such as iron and the ability to scale to a roll-to-roll format. As an insulator, YSZ is compatible with monolithic processing and its high temperature capabilities enable high efficiency deposition temperature. Small area [0.41 cm²] CIGS solar cells were fabricated on a YSZ substrate yielding a 17.3% efficient device.