Programm Photovoltaik Ausgabe 2008 ... - Bundesamt für Energie BFE

Seite 56 von 288
Introduction / Project goals
This project focuses on the most promising material and device options for thin film technologies,
namely cadmium-free cells and modules, based on amorphous, micro- and polycrystalline silicon as
well as on chalcopyrite compound semiconductors (CIGS). Research is organized either along the
value chain of each technology or with a trans-disciplinary (or trans-technology) character in order to
target every aspect of the module development from the substrate to the encapsulated module.
The overall goal is to provide the scientific and technological basis for an industrial mass production of
cost effective and highly efficient, environmentally sound, large-area thin film solar cells and modules.
By drawing on a broad basis of expertise, the entire range of module fabrication and supporting R&D
is covered: Substrates, semiconductor and contact deposition, monolithic series interconnection, encapsulation,
performance evaluation and applications.
The main objectives are:
� significantly reducing the cost/efficiency ratio: towards 0.5 €/Wp on the long run
� providing the know-how and the scientific basis for large-area PV modules by identifying and testing
new materials and technologies with maximum cost reduction
� developing the process know-how and the production technology as well as the design and fabrication
of specialised equipment resulting in low costs and high yield in the production of large
area thin film modules.
In the case of thin-film silicon solar cells, the specific objectives are the following:
� The development of large area micromorph modules (> 1 m 2 ) with a 10% stable efficiency deposited
at �10 Å/s
� A production concept for module cost < 0.5 €/Wp
Development of high efficiency thin-film Si cell on small area is also part of the project with a target
stable efficiency of 14%.
Description of the project
The project is organised in 6 sub-projects (SP, cf. Fig 1):
� 2 sub-projects for the large-area development of CIGS modules thin-film Si modules
� 3 supporting sub-projects for new cell concept development (high efficiency cell development),
device modelling and characterisation and module aspects (substrates, contacts and encapsulation)
� One sub-project dealing with sustainability, training and mobility.
ATHLET, N. Wyrsch, IMT
Fig. 1: Schematic organisation of the Athlet project
with its 6 sub-projects. Two vertical sub-projects (SP)
are oriented along the value chain:
� SP III focuses on large area, environmentally
sound chalcopyrite modules with improved efficiencies
� SP IV deals with the up-scaling of silicon based
tandem cells to an industrial level.
Four horizontal sub-projects have a trans-disciplinary
character:
� SP V provides analysis and modelling of devices
and technology for all other sub-projects.
� SP I will demonstrate higher efficiencies of lab
scale cells.
� SP II focuses on module aspects relevant to all
thin film technologies.
� SP VI ensures that the performed work have a
positive impact on the environment and the society.
2/6