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Advances In The Characterization Performance And Defect Engineering Of Earth Abundant And Thin Film Materials For Solar Energy Conversion
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Book Synopsis Advances in the Characterization, Performance and Defect Engineering of Earth Abundant and Thin-Film Materials for Solar Energy Conversion by : T. Gershon
Download or read book Advances in the Characterization, Performance and Defect Engineering of Earth Abundant and Thin-Film Materials for Solar Energy Conversion written by T. Gershon and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells by : Daniel Abou-Ras
Download or read book Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells written by Daniel Abou-Ras and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-07-13 with total page 760 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.
Book Synopsis Structural Defect Engineering of Tin (II) Sulfide Thin Films for Photovoltaics by : Rupak Chakraborty
Download or read book Structural Defect Engineering of Tin (II) Sulfide Thin Films for Photovoltaics written by Rupak Chakraborty and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 137 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tin (II) sulfide (SnS) is a promising Earth-abundant, non-toxic alternative to commercially available thin-film photovoltaic (PV) materials because of its near-ideal bandgap, high absorption coefficient, and potential for facile manufacturing. However, SnS-based photovoltaic devices have reached a maximum experimental efficiency of only 4.4%, compared to a theoretical maximum of 32%, primarily due to a low minority-carrier lifetime. In this work, I assess the impact of structural defects and anisotropy on the minority-carrier lifetime and other key device parameters, shedding light on the path to high-efficiency SnS-based photovoltaics. SnS thin films are deposited by thermal evaporation in a range of growth temperatures with varying structural defect density. Extended structural defects including intragranular defects and grain boundaries are directly related to minority-carrier collection length using high-resolution correlative electron microscopy. The results suggest that intragranular point defects, as opposed to extended structural defects, are likely responsible for the short minority-carrier lifetimes in present-day SnS films. Inhomogeneities in the polycrystalline SnS thin films due to the anisotropic material properties of SnS may also impact the device performance. Device simulations taking into account the orientation-dependent electron affinity of SnS show that a uniform grain orientation distribution is optimal. As a route toward both uniform grain orientation and low structural defect density, the anisotropic surface energy of SnS is harnessed by growth on a van der Waals-terminated substrate. An enhancement in both orientation uniformity and minority-carrier lifetime is measured, showing a promising path toward the ideal SnS film. Lastly, the process of optimization to reduce structural defect density may be expedited by in-situ characterization of micro- and nanoscale defects under realistic processing conditions. Toward this end, an in-situ temperature stage for synchrotron X-ray spectromicrosopy is developed to track nanoscale defects up to a sample temperature of 600°C. The stage enables previously unattainable in-situ studies of defect kinetics, allowing both a deeper understanding of how process conditions affect defect characteristics and the ability to rapidly optimize process conditions toward a defect-free film.
Book Synopsis Sustainable Material Solutions for Solar Energy Technologies by : Mariana Amorim Fraga
Download or read book Sustainable Material Solutions for Solar Energy Technologies written by Mariana Amorim Fraga and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-08-18 with total page 669 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustainable Material Solutions for Solar Energy Technologies: Processing Techniques and Applications provides an overview of challenges that must be addressed to efficiently utilize solar energy. The book explores novel materials and device architectures that have been developed to optimize energy conversion efficiencies and minimize environmental impacts. Advances in technologies for harnessing solar energy are extensively discussed, with topics including materials processing, device fabrication, sustainability of materials and manufacturing, and current state-of-the-art. Leading international experts discuss the applications, challenges, and future prospects of research in this increasingly vital field, providing a valuable resource for students and researchers working in this field. Explores the fundamentals of sustainable materials for solar energy applications, with in-depth discussions of the most promising material solutions for solar energy technologies: photocatalysis, photovoltaic, hydrogen production, harvesting and storage Discusses the environmental challenges to be overcome and importance of efficient materials utilization for clean energy Looks at design materials processing and optimization of device fabrication via metrics such as power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at EOL compared to BOL, and life-cycle analysis
Book Synopsis Sulfide and Selenide Based Materials for Emerging Applications by : Goutam Kumar Dalapati
Download or read book Sulfide and Selenide Based Materials for Emerging Applications written by Goutam Kumar Dalapati and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2022-06-17 with total page 804 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sulfide and Selenide-Based Materials for Emerging Applications explores a materials and device-based approach to the transition to low-cost sustainable thin film photovoltaic devices and energy storage systems. Part 1 examines recent advances in renewable technologies and materials for sustainable development, as well as photovoltaic energy storage devices. Part 2 discusses thin film solar cells with earth abundant materials, highlighting the power conversion efficiency of the kesterite-based solar cells. Kesterite film technology including different synthesis and doping method designs are also discussed, along with emerging sulfide semiconductors with potential in thin film photovoltaics/flexible devices. In Part 3 sulfur- and selenides-based materials for thermoelectric applications are explored. Part 4 covers chalcogenide semiconductors with applications in electrochemical water splitting for green hydrogen generation and oxygen generation, as well as the latest research on layered 2D transition metal chalcogenides for electrochemical water splitting. To conclude, part 5 discusses recent developments of storage technologies such as Li-S batteries, sulfide-based supercapacitors and metal-ion batteries, and the development of 3D printing sulfides/selenides for energy conversion and storage. This book is a useful resource for those involved in green energy technology and decarbonization and is designed for a broad audience, from students to experienced scientists. Discusses the emerging sulfide/selenide based thin film absorber materials and their deposition methods Previews device engineering techniques that have been developed to enhance the power conversion efficiency and lifetime of sulfide/selenide based thin film solar cells Provides an update on what low cost sulfide/selenide based electro-catalysts have become available and the comparison of their performance vs. noble metal catalysts
Book Synopsis Emerging Inorganic Materials in Thin-film Photovoltaics by :
Download or read book Emerging Inorganic Materials in Thin-film Photovoltaics written by and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is currently significant interest in exploring and identifying new inorganic solar energy conversion systems based on Earth-abundant nontoxic materials for future sustainable energy applications and technologies. Developments in emergent inorganic absorbers are closely tied to the ability of researchers to correlate and predict device performance from structural and optical properties. The understanding of material structure and bonding and their effect on performance are key to developing guiding principles for design and screening of inorganic photovoltaic materials. Progress toward such understanding is facilitated by state-of-the-art tools for structural and electronic characterisation of semiconductor materials and interfaces, as well as device design and performance analysis. Further insight is provided by computer modelling and simulations. This volume brings together internationally leading scientists working in areas of material design and modelling, structural and electronic characterisation, and device design and performance analysis, to explore and exchange ideas on emerging inorganic thin-film photovoltaics based on Earth abundant nontoxic materials. In this volume, the topics covered include: Indium-free CIGS analogues ; Bulk and surface characterisation techniques of solar absorbers ; Novel chalcogenides, pnictides and defect-tolerant semiconductors ; Materials design and bonding.
Book Synopsis Electronic Characterisation of Earth‐Abundant Sulphides for Solar Photovoltaics by : Thomas James Whittles
Download or read book Electronic Characterisation of Earth‐Abundant Sulphides for Solar Photovoltaics written by Thomas James Whittles and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-07-31 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the electronic structure of earth-abundant and environmentally friendly materials for use as absorber layers within photovoltaic cells. The corroboration between high-quality photoemission measurements and density of states calculations yields valuable insights into why these materials have demonstrated poor device efficiencies in the vast literature cited. The book shows how the materials’ underlying electronic structures affect their properties, and how the band positions make them unsuitable for use with established solar cell technologies. After explaining these poor efficiencies, the book offers alternative window layer materials to improve the use of these absorbers. The power of photoemission and interpretation of the data in terms of factors generally overlooked in the literature, such as the materials’ oxidation and phase impurity, is demonstrated. Representing a unique reference guide, the book will be of considerable interest and value to members of the photoemission community engaged in solar cell research, and to a wider materials science audience as well.
Book Synopsis Materials Science for Solar Energy Conversion Systems by : C.G. Granqvist
Download or read book Materials Science for Solar Energy Conversion Systems written by C.G. Granqvist and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rapid advances in materials technology are creating many novel forms of coatings for energy efficient applications in solar energy. Insulating heat mirrors, selective absorbers, transparent insulation and fluorescent concentrators are already available commercially. Radiative cooling, electrochromic windows and polymeric light pipes hold promise for future development, while chemical and photochemical processes are being considered for energy storage. This book investigates new material advances as well as applications, costs, reliability and industrial production of existing materials. Each contribution represents a landmark in the field of materials science.
Book Synopsis Solar Technologies for the 21st Century by : Anco S. Blazev
Download or read book Solar Technologies for the 21st Century written by Anco S. Blazev and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2021-01-07 with total page 726 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines solar technologies, describes their properties, and evaluates the technological potential of each. It also reviews the logistics of deploying solar energy as a viable and sustainable way to solve urgent energy, environmental, and socio-economic problems. Topics discussed include solar power generation, today’s solar technologies, solar thermal, silicon PV, thin PV, 3-D solar cells, nano-PV, organic solar cells, solar successes and failures, solar power fields, finance and regulations, solar markets and solar energy and the environment.
Book Synopsis Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells by : M. Parans Paranthaman
Download or read book Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells written by M. Parans Paranthaman and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-09-16 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the current status of semiconductor materials for conversion of sunlight to electricity, and highlights advances in both basic science and manufacturing. Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric technology will be a significant contributor to world energy supplies when reliable, efficient PV power products are manufactured in large volumes at low cost. Expert chapters cover the full range of semiconductor materials for solar-to-electricity conversion, from crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon to cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium sulfide selenides, dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and environmentally friendly copper zinc tin sulfide selenides. The latest methods for synthesis and characterization of solar cell materials are described, together with techniques for measuring solar cell efficiency. Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells presents the current state of the art as well as key details about future strategies to increase the efficiency and reduce costs, with particular focus on how to reduce the gap between laboratory scale efficiency and commercial module efficiency. This book will aid materials scientists and engineers in identifying research priorities to fulfill energy needs, and will also enable researchers to understand novel semiconductor materials that are emerging in the solar market. This integrated approach also gives science and engineering students a sense of the excitement and relevance of materials science in the development of novel semiconductor materials. · Provides a comprehensive introduction to solar PV cell materials · Reviews current and future status of solar cells with respect to cost and efficiency · Covers the full range of solar cell materials, from silicon and thin films to dye sensitized and organic solar cells · Offers an in-depth account of the semiconductor material strategies and directions for further research · Features detailed tables on the world leaders in efficiency demonstrations · Edited by scientists with experience in both research and industry
Book Synopsis Optoelectronic and Defect Properties in Earth Abundant Photovoltaic Materials: First-principle Calculations by : Tingting Shi
Download or read book Optoelectronic and Defect Properties in Earth Abundant Photovoltaic Materials: First-principle Calculations written by Tingting Shi and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this dissertation, a series of earth-abundant photovoltaic materials including lead halide perovskites, copper based compounds, and silicon are investigated via density functional theory (DFT). Firstly, we study the unique optoelectronic properties of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbBr3. First-principle calculations show that CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells exhibit remarkable optoelectronic properties that account for the high open circuit voltage (Voc) and long electron-hole diffusion lengths. Our results reveal that for intrinsic doping, dominant point defects produce only shallow levels. Therefore lead halide perovskites are expected to exhibit intrinsic low non-radiative recombination rates. The conductivity of perovskites can be tuned from p-type to n-type by controlling the growth conditions. For extrinsic defects, the p-type perovskites can be achieved by doping group-IA, -IB, or -VIA elements, such as Na, K, Rb, Cu, and O at I-rich growth conditions. We further show that despite a large band gap of 2.2 eV, the dominant defects in CH3NH3PbBr3 also create only shallow levels. The photovoltaic properties of CH3NH3PbBr3-based perovskite absorbers can be tuned via defect engineering. Highly conductive p-type CH3NH3PbBr3 can be synthesized under Br-rich growth conditions. Such CH3NH3PbBr3 may be potential low-cost hole transporting materials for lead halide perovskite solar cells. All these unique defect properties of perovskites are largely due to the strong Pb lone-pair s orbital and I p (Br p) orbital antibonding coupling and the high ionicity of CH3NH3PbX3 (X=I, Br). Secondly, we study the optoelectronic properties of Cu-V-VI earth abundant compounds. These low cost thin films may have the good electronic and optical properties. We have studied the structural, electronic and optical properties of Cu3-V-VI4 compounds. After testing four different crystal structures, enargite, wurtzite-PMCA, famatinite and zinc-blend-PMCA, we find that Cu3PS4 and Cu3PSe4 prefer energetically the enargite structure, whereas, other compounds favor the famatinite structure. Among the compounds and structures considered, enargite Cu3PSe4, and famatinite Cu3AsS4, are suitable for single junction solar cell applications due to bandgaps of 1.32 eV and 1.15 eV, respectively. Furthermore, CuSbS2 are also studied by density functional theory and HSE06 hybrid functional. The chalcostibite CuSbS2 has an indirect band gap of 1.85 eV, whereas the chalcogenide Cu3SbS4 has a direct band gap of 0.89 eV. We find that the large difference on band gaps is mainly attributed to the different Sb charge states. We further predict that the Sb charge states will affect the defect physics. Particularly, the Sb lone pair s orbitals in CuSbS2 have strong influence on the formation energies of Sb-related defects. Lastly, we have studied the atomic structure and electronic properties of aluminum (Al)-related defect complexes in silicon. We find a unique stable complex configuration consisting of an Ali and an oxygen dimer, Ali-2Oi, which introduces deep levels in the band gap of Si. The formation energies of the Ali-2Oi complexes could be lower than that of individual Ali atoms under oxygen-rich conditions. The formation of Ali-2Oi complexes may explain the experimental observation that the coexistence of Al and O results in reduced carrier lifetime in Si wafers.
Book Synopsis Thin Film Solar Cells by : Jef Poortmans
Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Jef Poortmans and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-10-16 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin-film solar cells are either emerging or about to emerge from the research laboratory to become commercially available devices finding practical various applications. Currently no textbook outlining the basic theoretical background, methods of fabrication and applications currently exist. Thus, this book aims to present for the first time an in-depth overview of this topic covering a broad range of thin-film solar cell technologies including both organic and inorganic materials, presented in a systematic fashion, by the scientific leaders in the respective domains. It covers a broad range of related topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of novel photovoltaic devices.
Book Synopsis Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment by :
Download or read book Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment written by and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-10-01 with total page 4061 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Four Volume Set comprehensively covers all renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal energy, and nuclear power, to name a few. In addition to covering the breadth of renewable energy resources at a fundamental level, this encyclopedia delves into the utilization and ideal applications of each resource and assesses them from environmental, economic, and policy standpoints. This book will serve as an ideal introduction to any renewable energy source for students, while also allowing them to learn about a topic in more depth and explore related topics, all in a single resource. Instructors, researchers, and industry professionals will also benefit from this comprehensive reference. Covers all renewable energy technologies in one comprehensive resource“/li> Details renewable energies’ processes, from production to utilization in a single encyclopedia Organizes topics into concise, consistently formatted chapters, perfect for readers who are new to the field Assesses economic challenges faced to implement each type of renewable energy Addresses the challenges of replacing fossil fuels with renewables and covers the environmental impacts of each renewable energy
Book Synopsis Developing Cuprous Oxide Thin Film Characterization Techniques to Illuminate Efficiency-limiting Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Applications by : Riley Eric Brandt
Download or read book Developing Cuprous Oxide Thin Film Characterization Techniques to Illuminate Efficiency-limiting Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Applications written by Riley Eric Brandt and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Future fossil fuel scarcity and environmental degradation have demonstrated the need for renewable, low-carbon sources of energy to power an increasingly industrialized world. Solar energy, with its extraordinary resource base, is one of the most feasible long-term options for satisfying energy demand with minimal environmental impact. However, solar photovoltaic panels remain expensive and employ materials whose resource bases cannot satisfy global, terawatt-level penetration. This necessitates the development of cheap, earth-abundant semiconductors for solar conversion such as cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Poor solar energy conversion efficiency (2%) has hindered the development of this material, yet it is not well understood what is preventing the material from approaching the idealized maximum efficiency of 20%. The present work aims to develop a thorough characterization method for Cu2O thin films fabricated through a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process known as reactive direct-current magnetron sputtering. This both provides a platform for material analysis and an opportunity to adapt a typically high-throughput manufacturing method to make high quality thin films. Spectrophotometry, Hall Effect mobility measurement, and photoelectrochemical cell techniques are used in succession to determine the absorption and transport properties. The films are found to have a direct forbidden bandgap of 1.93 eV, with an absorption coefficient of greater than 105 cm-1 for photons carrying energy in excess of 2.6 eV. Majority carrier mobility is measured as 58.1 cm2/V·s, approaching the levels of monocrystalline oxidized films in literature. These high mobilities indicate that with carrier lifetime 10 nanoseconds, minority carrier diffusion length could easily exceed the film thickness. The photoelectrochemical minority carrier diffusion length measurement achieves success on gallium arsenide test samples, determining flat-band potential, quantum efficiency, and minority carrier diffusion length, paving the way for future Cu2O measurement. Future work may apply this test procedure to fully characterize other materials, and eventually lead to solar cell fabrication.
Book Synopsis Study of Earth Abundant TCO and Absorber Materials for Photovoltaic Applications by : Tejas Prabhakar
Download or read book Study of Earth Abundant TCO and Absorber Materials for Photovoltaic Applications written by Tejas Prabhakar and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In order to make photovoltaic power generation a sustainable venture, it is necessary to use cost-effective materials in the manufacture of solar cells. In this regard, AZO (Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide) and CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide) have been studied for their application in thin film solar cells. While AZO is a transparent conducting oxide, CZTS is a photovoltaic absorber. Both AZO and CZTS consist of earth abundant elements and are non-toxic in nature. Highly transparent and conductive AZO thin films were grown using RF sputtering. The influence of deposition parameters such as working pressure, RF power, substrate temperature and flow rate on the film characteristics was investigated. The as-grown films had a high degree of preferred orientation along the (002) direction which enhanced at lower working pressures, higher RF powers and lower substrate temperatures. Williamson-Hall analysis on the films revealed that as the working pressure was increased, the nature of stress and strain gradually changed from being compressive to tensile. The fall in optical transmission of the films was a consequence of free carrier absorption resulting from enhanced carrier density due to incorporation of Al atoms or oxygen vacancies. The optical and electrical properties of the films were described well by the Burstein-Moss effect. CZTS absorber layers were grown using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at a deposition temperature of 350 C and subsequently annealed in a sulfurization furnace. Measurements from XRD and Raman spectra confirmed the presence of pure single phase Cu2ZnSnS4 . Texture analysis of as-deposited and annealed CZTS films indicated that the (112) plane which is characteristic of the kesterite phase was preferred. The grain size increased from 50 nm to 100 nm on conducting post-deposition annealing. CZTS films with stoichiometric composition yielded a band gap of 1.5 eV, which is optimal for solar energy conversion. The variation of tin in the film changed its resistivity by several orders of magnitude and subsequently the tin free ternary chalcogenide Cu2ZnS2 having very low resistivity was obtained. By carefully optimization of concentrations of tin, zinc and copper, a zinc-rich/tin-rich/copper-poor composition was found to be most suitable for solar cell applications. Etching of CZTS films using KCN solution reduced their resistivity, possibly due to the elimination of binary copper sulfide phases. CZTS solar cells were fabricated both in the substrate and superstrate configurations.
Book Synopsis Scientists Identify New Quaternary Materials for Solar Cell Absorbers (Fact Sheet), NREL Highlights, Science by :
Download or read book Scientists Identify New Quaternary Materials for Solar Cell Absorbers (Fact Sheet), NREL Highlights, Science written by and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 1 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research provides insight for exploring use of earth-abundant quaternary semiconductors for large-scale solar cell applications. For large-scale solar electricity generation, it is critical to find new material that is Earth abundant and easily manufactured. Previous experimental studies suggest that Cu2ZnSnS4 could be a strong candidate absorber materials for large-scale thin-film solar cells due to its optimal bandgap, high adsorption coefficient, and ease of synthesis. However, due to the complicated nature of the quaternary compound, it is unclear whether other quaternary compounds have physical properties suitable for solar cell application. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Fudan University, and University College London have performed systematic searches of quaternary semiconductors using a sequential cation mutation method in which the material properties of the quaternary compounds can be derived and understood through the evolution from the binary, to ternary, and to quaternary compounds. The searches revealed that in addition to Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnGeSe4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 are also suitable quaternary materials for solar cell absorbers. Through the extensive study of defect and alloy properties of these materials, the researchers propose that to maximize solar cell performance, growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 under Cu-poor/Zn-rich conditions will be optimal and the formation of Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 alloy will be beneficial in improving solar cell performance.
Book Synopsis Defect Engineering in Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) Solar Cells by : Sin Cheng Siah
Download or read book Defect Engineering in Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) Solar Cells written by Sin Cheng Siah and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 109 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thesis is focused on the development of a cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin-film (TF) solar cell that is fabricated by manufacturing-friendly methods such as electro-deposition, sputtering and atomic layer deposition. Due to its bandgap of close to 2 eV, it has the potential of being applied as top cell in a tandem configuration. Firstly, I perform bottom-up cost and price analysis to investigate the economic feasibility of TF and c-Si based tandem photovoltaic modules. Next, I investigate the formation of good ohmic back contacts on Cu2O absorber layer and demonstrate that low contact resistivity can be achieved with a variety of metals on heavily doped Cu2O films by forming a tunnel junction. Then, I apply synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to characterize two front contact buffer materials: amorphous Zn-Sn-O (a-ZTO) and Sndoped Ga2O3. I elucidate a fundamental loss mechanism in the amorphous Zn-Sn-O (a-ZTO) electron-blocking layer that has origin in local structural disorder and establish the structure-process- property relationship of a-ZTO so that the front buffer layer can be optimized for photovoltaics. Then, I investigate the doping mechanism of Sn dopant atoms in TFs and single crystalline Ga2O3:Sn by revealing the doping mechanism so that Ga2O3:Sn can be optimized for photovoltaics. Lastly. I apply bulk defect engineering to manipulate the intrinsic point defect structure of Cu2O towards improved device performance. The key results will inform the processing conditions for improving mobility and minority carrier lifetime in Cu2O. Keywords - Earth-abundant, thin-film solar cells, tandem, defect engineering, cost modeling, synchrotron.
