Ladao, Joshua Jesh S. Engr. Nelson T.

Corbita
CEA_ME_3A_1 Mechanical Engineering Elective 1

Thin Film Solar Cells

In this topic, Ms. Pasores discussed the introductory information on Solar Cells. Specifically
what is solar cells, she stated that solar cells is some sort of mini generator that converts radiant
or solar energy to electrical energy by the so-called photovoltaic effect. Also the creation of
voltage in a material called semiconductors is when the surface of that material is exposed to
electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun is how photovoltaic effect mainly occur.
Using mainly crystalline silicon is one of ideal or best semiconductor amongst other, she also
added that silicon is converted into semiconductor by doping. This is then used to make solar
cells by mixing small amount of other element such like boron and phosphorus that are cheap
and abundant in nature. Doping is similar process to making computer chips. She also added
several types of thin film solar cells, which are, Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells, Cadmium
Telluride Solar Cells, and Copper Indium Galium Selenide. Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells use
non-crystalline silicon to absorb sunlight and turns into electricity. Cadmium Telluride Solar
Cells is producing much more higher efficiency and commonly used in large-scale solar plants
due to its cost-effectiveness. Copper Indium Galium Selenide are known for its flexibility and
efficient, making it suitable in building-integrated photovoltaic.
Mr. Pueblo, the second presentor discussed how thin film solar panel works. He inputted that
each PV is made up of two combination of p-type and n-type materials in each cells. The
working principles of thin film solar cells that consists of five main layers which are substrate,
transparent conductive oxide layer, absorber layer, back contact, and encapsulation layer. This
multiple layer made how solar cells are effective in converting energy. Also he added three
techniques user in manufacturing processes of thin film solar cells and these are physical vapor
deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and solution processing that involve
dissolving precursor materials in solvent to create a solution. These are some insights of this film
solar cell is given that single crystals are expensive to produce, a number of materials have been
identified of which the best developed at present, these “thin film” materials are usually
produced by physical or chemical deposition techniques, polycrystalline and amorphous
semiconductors contain intrinsic defects. Also he provide thin film requirements for much
suitable materials that are good thin film materials should be low cost, non-toxic, robust and
stable, they should absorb light more strongly than silicon, suitable materials should transport
charge efficiently, and should be readily doped.
Also, Mr. Palanas added material properties in thin film silicon solar cells is characterized as
good thin film materials should be low cost, non-toxic, robust and stable. They should absorb
light more strongly than silicon. Suitable materials should transport charge efficiently, and
should be readily doped. Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Design must be 2um thick u-Si solar cell
on glass has been reported with to have an efficiency of over 10%. There also advantages that
thin film can offer to user, which are flexible solar is leading to way more cheap energy form the
sun, unlike traditional, it can be applied to wide variety. He also discussed several applications
which are these few sectors, including: Building-integrated photovoltaic, portable, remote power
generation and for solar-powered transportation and outdoor equipment.