High Efficiency Bifacial CdTe-based Photovoltaic
Opportunity
Available for Licensing
TRL: 5
IP Status
US Utility Patent Pending (Not Yet Published)
Inventors
Amit Munshi
Ramesh Pandey
Akash Shah
Tushar Shimpi
Walajabad Sampath
At A Glance
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed an oxide passivation layer and fabrication process for solar panels that allows light to enter and be absorbed in typical superstrate CdTe solar cells from both the front and back side increasing the power output substantially (without a major increase in cost).
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Background
CdTe-based PV technology has one of the lowest cost for manufacturing and energy generation among all renewable and conventional energy sources. Highest efficiency of over 21% has been demonstrated for research scale devices while modules with efficiency over 18% have been demonstrated commercially.
Currently, existing solar panels can only absorb light from one side that faces the sun. However, CdTe has the potential to produce reasonable efficiency under diffused light condition. That means that light reflected off the ground under and around the panels is an unutilized energy source.
The technology developed here introduces new materials that replace traditional opaque metal electrodes at the back of the module allowing light to be absorbed from the back of the panel. Studies have shown that such device configuration can produce up to 20% more power.
Benefits
- Produces up to 20% more power as compared to existing solar panels
- Potential to reduce costs
- Potential for higher efficiency with open-circuit voltage >900 mV
Applications
- Solar panels for electricity generation
Last updated: September 2021