The history, design, fabrication and performance of CdS thin film solar cells

Abstract

The history of the thin film CdS solar cell is traced from its first reduction to practice in 1955 to the present. The major factors which contributed to the evolution of the present 4–8% large area light weight cell are discussed. Various possible constructions of CdS thin film solar cells are described along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. A brief outline is given of the steps in fabricating the present design high efficiency cell, along with the more important process parameters. The operating characteristics of the best present state-of-the-art cells are presented in detail including the effect of light intensity and temperature on the voltage, current and power output, the spectral responses, and the factors affecting cell stability. There is a brief discussion of the possibilities for further improvements in these cells, and a listing of some of their probable applications in space and on earth.