Abstract

This book will provide an authoritative reference on the various aspects of materials science that will impact the next generation of photovoltaic (PV) module technology. The materials emphasis will bring a fresh perspective to the literature and will highlight the many issues that are often buried in other texts where the solution to materials challenges can be crucial in developing a new PV technology. The emphasis of the book will be on the range of thin film PV materials. Thin film PV is growing more rapidly that crystalline silicon and although only 10% of the current market could dominate in the longer term. This book will address the fundamental aspects of PV solar cell materials and give a comprehensive description of each of the major thin film materials either in research or in production. Particular attention will be given to the key materials drivers of solar conversion efficiency, long term stability, materials costs and materials sustainability. The book will be essential reading for materials scientists, energy technologists and all those involved in solid-state physics.
Stuart Irvine has over thirty years experience in thin film semiconductor deposition and characterisation for opto-electronic devices. Executive Director for the UK research consortium (PV Supergen) and Director of the Centre for Solar Energy Research at OpTIC Technium. Prof Bagnall is based in the new ú120M Southampton Nanofabrication Centre in Electronics and Computer Science. He has spent over 20 years researching a range of semiconductor technologies. His current research focuses on the application of nanotechnology to thin film silicon photovoltaic devices. He is a member of Supergen PV21 and a member of the UK-ISES and PVSAT organising committees.