Effect of buffer layer composition and surface features on large area and high efficiency CuIn x Ga 1−x Se 2 solar cells

CuIn x Ga 1-x Se 2 (CIGS) solar cell junction properties were tailored by altering the buffer layer properties by chemical bath deposition method. An efficiency of > 12% was observed in large area of 5 cm 2 . Thickness of the CdS buffer layer was measured by cross-view scanning electron microscopy. CdS buffer layer condition was optimized after several attempts made and was found to be the CIGS solar cell performance was mainly influenced by CdS buffer layer composition ratio. The effect of CdS buffer layer surface morphology, composition, optical transmittance and thickness oriented CIGS solar cell efficiency are presented and discussed.