What is a nanocrystalline solar cell?

The new nanocrystalline solar cell achieves for the first time the separation of light absorption and charge carrier transport rendering its production costs at least five times lower than that of conventional silicon based devices. The production methods are very simple, and components of the cell are available at a low cost.

What is thin-film solar cell technology?

Thin-film solar cell technology based on nanocrystalline silicon has made a significant progress since the production of the first hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) solar cell in 1994. Up to date, the highest conversion efficiency of single-junction nc-Si:H thin-film solar cells has reached 11.8%, and further progress is expected.

Can silicon thin-film solar cells be a mass-used energy source?

Therefore, there is still a large room and potential for further improvement of silicon thin-film solar cells, and the hydrogenated amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon structures and composites could be materials of the next-stage cheap, efficient, mass-used solar cell energetics.

How does nanocrystalline silicon differ from Silicon nanocrystal?

In addition, nanocrystalline silicon also differs from the silicon nanocrystal material that consists of small nanocrystals (typically <5 nm) demonstrating quantum effects (see Chaps. 24, “Nanocrystalline Silicon-Based Multilayers and Solar Cells” and 26, “Colloidal Silicon Quantum Dots and Solar Cells” ).

Can nanocrystalline photovoltaic cells be used to convert solar energy into electricity?

Conventional photovoltaic cells for solar energy conversion into electricity are solid state devices do not economically compete for base load utility electricity production. The low cost and ease of production of the new nanocrystalline cell should be benefit large scale applications in particular in underdeveloped or developing countries.

Are nc-Si-H thin films carrier-selective layers for SHJ solar cells?

In this article, we review the growth conditions of nc-Si:H thin films as the carrier-selective layers for SHJ solar cells. Surface and growth zone models are analysed at different stages of incubation, nucleation, and growth of the silicon nanocrystallites within the hydrogenated amorphous silicon matrix.