Light and voltage dependence of the junction transport properties of CdTe/CdS photovoltaics

The J–V curve of CdTe/CdS photovoltaics does not consist of a simple superposition of a loss current and a light generated current with a considerable loss in conversion efficiency. This paper uses capacitance/voltage measurements and J–V measurements at a variety of temperatures and light levels to develop a model for this non-superposition. It was found that a light dependent tunneling mechanism dominates at low voltages. Moreover, the tunneling takes place from a trap level within the CdTe.