Thin film solar cell performance limits and potential

Limitations in performance of single-junction thin film solar cells are reviewed. Conversion efficiency in single junction solar cells is systematically analyzed in terms of energy conversion efficiency, electrical efficiency and optical efficiency. The analysis reveals a strong dependence of limitations in single junction solar cells on the band-gap of the absorber. In the case of CIGS solar cells, the band gap can be varied from 1.04 ev to 1.7 eV, which allows considerable opportunity to optimize for both band gap and the associated temperature coefficient.