Effect of electron irradiation on the properties of CdTe/CdS solar cells

Polycrystalline CdTe/CdS solar cells are used in space, as well as terrestrial, applications. The results of the studies on the effect of 8 MeV electron irradiation on p-CdTe/n-CdS thin film solar cells prepared by radio frequency (RF) sputtering are presented in this article. Solar cell parameters like short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), conversion efficiency (η), saturation current (Is) and ideality factor (n) have been considered. CdTe thin film solar cells exhibit good stability against electron irradiation up to 100 kGy.