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Natural sciences
- Optical properties and interactions with radiation
- Soft condensed matter
- Photonics, optoelectronics and optical communications
- Optical physics not elsewhere classified
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Engineering and technology
- Nanophotonics
- Sensors, biosensors and smart sensors not elsewhere classified
The aim of this proposal is to develop wide band gap thin film solar cells based on kesterite absorbers for future
application in high efficiency and low cost tandem PV devices. The SWInG working group will focus both on the
development of the processes for the synthesis of such solar cells based on the Cu2ZnXY4 (with X=Sn, Si and Y=
S, Se) compounds and on the understanding of the physical and electrical properties of the high band gap absorber
in order to reach high conversion efficiency. The key research challenges will be: developing up-scalable processes
for the synthesis of the absorbers; defining the specifications for high quality wide band gap absorbers as well as
suitable back contact and buffer/window layers; assessing the potential of this technology for PV applications. The
wide band gap thin films solar cells developed in this project are expected to reach a stable efficiency of 15 % on a
laboratory scale and 12 % for a mini-module prototype. The publications of specifications for the synthesis of high
quality Cu2ZnXY4 absorber as well as suitable back/front contact are expected. The lead users will be PV modules
manufacturers that work so far with thin films technologies, as well as the companies that design and produce the
machines for the synthesis of such devices. The results will be disseminated and communicated to the European PV
industries and the scientific community. The intensive exchange of researchers between the partners during the project
will also lead to an enhanced European collaboration in the research field of thin film solar cells.