Improvement of large-area SCAF structure a-Si solar cells with plastic film substrate

We have developed series-connected amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells with plastic film substrates named SCAF (series-connection through apertures formed on film). The pattern of SCAF cells was optimized by a simulation taking into account area losses and joule losses. Process technologies for large-area devices were developed, and uniformity of photovoltaic performances obtained on the 40 cm×80 cm area was sufficient for large-area SCAF structure cells. Mass productivity for the SCAF cells was also studied, and it was confirmed that a number of SCAF cells were fabricated with a good reproducibility. We have also carried out a light-soaking test of the SCAF cells and it was proved that reliability for light degradation of SCAF cells formed on film substrates was as high as that of glass substrate cells