Preparation and Properties of Chalcogenide Materials for Solar Cells

Advances in Science & technology of microelectronic devices are making it possible to the circuit densities to unprecedented levels. A step towards the microminiaturization was the introduction of thin films, from which it is possible to built devices in a very compact form. In recent years, the development of alternative energy sources has become inevitable due to the increased cost and instability over the conventional petroleum energy source. To overcome this energy production through solar photovoltaic systems has become the thrust field of research, because it is a clean energy. Furthermore, the solar energy received from the sun in the form of light is eternal and cost free. The best way to utilize the solar energy is the direct conversion of light energy to electrical energy through photovoltaic devices called solar cells. Cadmium chalcogenide films/Silicon based solar cells are increasingly studied as prospective alternative to the costly single crystal p-n junction silicon solar cells. A detailed study has been made to develop CdSe, ZnSe and Cd1-XZnXSe thin film solar cells with PS/Silicon junction and their material and junction properties are presented in the book.