Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells for Solar Energy Conversion Applications

The results of applied research effort on thin-film photovoltaic cells sponsored by the United States Air Force under the cognizance of the Aeronautical Systems Division, WPAFB, Ohio are presented. Physical and electrical characteristics of state-of-the-art thin-film photovoltaic calls, potential for their improvement, as well as potential approaches to their application as power generating structures for aerospace vehicles are described.