Semi-Transparent Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

ABSTRACTWe report on the development of the first large area semi-transparent amorphous silicon solar modules on pre-shaped compound curved substrates. To date, we have achieved an active area (approximately 1800 cm2) efficiency of about 7%. It is shown that, because of enhanced internal reflection, a metal/dielectric back contact is a good alternative to one consisting of merely a transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The dielectric serves as both a passivating layer and an anti-reflection coating.