Processing issues for thin-film CdTe cells and modules

Among emerging thin-film PV technologies, CdTe-based modules have displayed perhaps the most flexibility with respect to their method of manufacture. Device efficiencies have reached >15% and there appears to be no inherent device instability. Nonetheless, there remain serious technical challenges which must be met if CdTe modules are to be manufactured at a commercially attractive level. This paper identifies and discusses these issues.