Thin Film Photovoltaics: Toward High Efficiency and Low-Cost Solar Cells

Abstract

The potential of thin film photovoltaics as a game changing technology in the quest for sustainable and affordable solar energy has become evident. Recent developments in low-cost and high efficiency thin film materials including cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and perovskites for high power conversion efficiency is also investigated. The study explores new innovations related to deposition technique, interface engineering and tandem cell architectures to improve the absorption of light, carrier mobility and device stability. The focus is given to scalability of manufacturing processes and environmentally friendly and sustainable material substitutions to address environmental and resource issues. Comparative performance analysis shows upgrades to the conventional silicon-based solar cells, especially in terms of flexibility and cost. The results further highlight the need for ongoing material optimization and manufacturing integration for thin film photovoltaics to become a major enabler for the global energy transition and scale up of next generation PV technologies.