Recent progress in a-Si solar cells

As concern regarding global environmental problems such as the greenhouse effect and acid rain has increased, so too has the demand for commercially viable solar cells as a clean energy source. Interest in amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells has been particulary high, due to their low cost. Technological developments in the field of a-Si solar cells are discussed from the viewpoints of fabrication process, materials, and cell structures. Various applications and systems that take advantage of the a-Si solar cell are then introduced. Finally, future prospects are mentioned.