Monolithic amorphous silicon alloy solar modules

Since the fabrication of the first amorphous silicon solar cell in 1974 and the introduction of the first commercial products in 1980, shipments of amorphous silicon solar cells have grown to about 40 MW in 2001. The majority of these products have been fabricated on tin oxide coated glass in a monolithic series-connected configuration. In the current paper, the author describes the manufacturing process used to fabricate amorphous silicon monolithic series connected PV modules and also reviews the performance, reliability and stability of the modules. Issues such as manufacturing costs and environmental impacts are also discussed. Further research, development and engineering are required to assure that a-Si photovoltaics will play a major role in future world energy production.