Advances in performance and high-throughput manufacturing of thin-film CdS/CdTe modules

Progress in high-throughput manufacture and efficiency of 0.72 m² PV modules is reported. High throughput is made possible by vapor-transport deposition of the CdS/CdTe semiconductor layers and other highspeed processes. A baseline total-area efficiency of 7.1% was demonstrated at a rate of over 3000 modules/month. Opportunities for increase in efficiency over this baseline include reduced optical loss in the CdS, improved semiconductor uniformity, and improved processing resulting from structured experiments. Achievement of a module with NREL-measured 10.1% aperture efficiency is reported (P_max of 67.1 W and total-area efficiency of 9.3%). Diagnostic systems, uniformity characterization by surface photovoltage and reflectance, research on cell operation, glass properties, material utilization, equipment durability, and success with EH&S control are also discussed.