Research on high-efficiency, single-junction, monolithic, thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells. Annual report, 1 December 1983-30 November 1984

The design and construction features of a monolithic, series-connected, amorphous silicon solar cell are presented in this report. Each large-area individual cell was to measure 0.5 cm x 10.0 cm. The technology and systems capabilities of continuous, large-area deposition onto flexible substrates are important to the successful commercialization of thin-film a-Si solar cells, to minimize two of the major factors that influence the overall manufacturing cost of amorphous silicon photovoltaic devices: capital costs and substrate handling costs. Capital costs should be minimized by systems that operate continuously, and substrate handling costs should be minimized by maximizing substrate size. Two basic design concepts for deposition chambers are discussed. One uses an in-line deposition configuration and the other employs a rotating drum that transports the web.