Amorphous solar cells and panels

It is not known why this happens, and why it happens only with the amorphous silicon solar panels. The biggest challenge is to overcome the Staebler-Wronski effect: This production of amorphous silicon panels can continue at low costs, possibly replacing crystalline silicon panels in the long run.

But how can this be achieved?

A researcher at the Delft University of Technology called Gijs Van Elzakker has spoken about the possibility of increase the yield of amorphous solar cells by redesigning how the panels are made.

Currently, amorphous solar panels are created with thin silicon film layers formed from silane gas (SiH4) - it is believed that these are partly responsible for the Staebler-Wronski effect. As such, Van Elzakker and his scientists believe that by mixing hydrogen into the silane gas, the cause can be ‘diluted’ and the effect can be alleviated.

The theory is being researched by both the university and Inventus Technologies and if it succeeds, amphorous solar cells will enable solar energy to get a stronger foothold in the renewable energy market, with lower costs making the technology much more appealing.

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