Accession Number:

AD0831536

Title:

IMPROVED CDTE SOLAR CELL AND ARRAY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS INVESTIGATION.

Descriptive Note:

Quarterly rept. no. 4, 1 Dec 67-29 Feb 68,

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO LYNCHBURG VA

Personal Author(s):

• Schlotterbeck, Richard S.

Report Date:

1968-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

55.0

Abstract:

Basic materials research has been conducted in four general areas as follows Electron diffraction and optical microscopy studies, quantum efficiency measurements versus wavelength under operating conditions, degradation tests under controlled ambient conditions and diffusion and solubility measurements using radioactive copper. A maximum efficiency of 5.5 sunlight into electric power, ami was calculated on the basis of the spectral response and I-V characteristic of a fresh, bare single crystal cell. Efficiencies greater than 6.5 would be expected after allowances for cell area covered by the contact and the use of lacquer as an anti-reflectance coating. A fundamental study of the reactions which may be taking place on the substrate has been started. Results are reported on the behavior of both platinum barrier and copper barrier cells in a variety of environments. Efficiencies of 5.5 on one square inch cells have been observed with no measurable deterioration at room temperaturedry air or, in air at 79 R. H. Area scanning techniques on 60 square inches of grown film have disclosed approximately one square inch areas with efficiencies as high as 5.8. Modifications in the gold gridding technique and evaporation cycle have resulted in significantly higher cell efficiency distributions. Author

Descriptors:

• (*SOLAR CELLS
• CADMIUM COMPOUNDS)
• (*SOLAR PANELS
• CADMIUM COMPOUNDS)
• TELLURIDES
• FILMS
• SUBSTRATES
• MOLYBDENUM
• COPPER
• CADMIUM SULFIDES
• ADHESION
• ELECTRON DIFFRACTION
• MICROSCOPY
• TRACER STUDIES
• EFFICIENCY
• GOLD
• ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS

Subject Categories:

• Electric Power Production and Distribution

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE