Progress and issues in polycrystalline thin-film PV technologies

Substantial progress has occurred in polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic technologies. However, the transition to first-time manufacturing is still under way, and technical problems continue, This paper focuses on the promise and the problems of the copper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride technologies, with an emphasis on continued R&D needs for the near-term transition to manufacturing and for next-generation improvements. In addition, it highlights the joint R&D efforts being performed in the US Department of Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory Thin-Film Photovoltaic Partnership Program.