Studies of ZnTe back contacts to CdS/CdTe solar cells

Ongoing research topics in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic (PV) device technology include development of a back contact demonstrating low resistance and stability, while using processes consistent with large-area manufacturing. In efforts toward this goal, the authors have a sequence of dry, high-temperature processes to provide this contact. The process eliminates the need for chemical etching, and is performed at /spl sim/300/spl deg/C to aid in contact stability and adhesion. Applying this contact process to NREL-grown CdS/CdTe device material has resulted in efficiencies >12%. Devices with efficiencies /spl sim/10% have also been produced using material supplied by Solar Cells, Inc., and by Golden Photon, Inc.