Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.

The first comprehensive book on thin-film solar cells, potentially a key technology for solving the energy production problem in the 21st century in an environmentally friendly way. It covers a wide range of scientific and technological aspects of thin film semiconductors - deposition technologies, growth mechanisms and the basic properties of amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon - as well as the optimum design theory and device physics of high-efficiency solar cells, especially of single-junction and multi-junction solar cells. The development of large-area solar cell modules using single and multi-junction solar cells is also considered. Examples of recent photovoltaic systems are presented and analysed.

Photovoltaics have started replacing fossil fuels as major energy generation roadmaps, targeting higher efficiencies and/or lower costs are aggressively pursued to bring PV to cost parity with grid electricity. Third generation PV technologies may overcome the fundamental limitations of photon to electron conversion in single-junction devices and, thus, improve both their efficiency and cost. This book presents notable advances in these technologies, namely organic cells and nanostructures, dye-sensitized cells and multijunction III/V cells. The following topics are addressed: Solar spectrum conversion for photovoltaics using nanoparticles; multiscale modeling of heterojunctions in organic PV; technologies and manufacturing of OPV; life cycle assessment of OPV; new materials and architectures for dye-sensitized solar cells; advances of concentrating PV; modeling doped III/V alloys; polymeric films for lowering the cost of PV, and field performance factors. A panel of acclaimed PV professionals contributed these topics, compiling the state of knowledge for advancing this new generation of PV.

Perovskite Photovoltaics: Basic to Advanced Concepts and Implementation examines the emergence of perovskite photovoltaics, associated challenges and opportunities, and how to achieve broader development. Consolidating developments in perovskite photovoltaics, including recent progress solar cells, this text also highlights advances and the research necessary for sustaining energy. Addressing different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells suitable, and including commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology. The book also contains a detailed analysis of the implementation and economic viability of perovskite solar cells, highlighting what photovoltaic devices need to be generated by low cost, non-toxic, earth abundant materials using environmentally scalable processes. This book is a valuable resource engineers, scientists and researchers, and all those who wish to broaden their knowledge on flexible perovskite solar cells. - Includes contributions by leading solar cell academics, industrialists, researchers and institutions across the globe - Addresses different photovoltaics fields with tailored content for what makes perovskite solar cells different - Provides commercialization examples of large-scale perovskite solar technology, giving users detailed analysis on the implementation, technical challenges and economic viability of perovskite solar cells

This book provides the fundamental aspects of the diverse ranges of nanostructured materials (0D, 1D, 2D and 3D) for energy and environmental applications in a comprehensive manner written by specialists who are at the forefront of research in the field of energy and environmental science. Experimental studies of nanomaterials for aforementioned applications are discussed along with their design, fabrication and their applications, with a specific focus on catalysis, energy storage and conversion systems. This work also emphasizes the challenges of past developments and directions for further research. It also looks at details pertaining to the current ground – breaking of nanotechnology and future perspectives with a multidisciplinary approach to energy and environmental science and informs readers about an efficient utilization of nanomaterials to deliver solutions for the public.

Third-generation solar cells (SCs) are built on inorganic nanoparticles, hybrids, or semiconducting organic macromolecules. This book focuses on dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer/organic solar cells, copper/zinc/tin sulfide thin film cells, quantum dot solar cells and perovskite-based solar cells. Specific topics covered include device architecture, interface engineering, characterization, and fabrication techniques such as spin coating, blade coating, slot-die coating, dip coating, meniscus coating, spray coating, ink-jet printing, screen printing and electro deposition. Keywords: Fullerene-Containing Polymers, Light-Sensitive Dye, Organic Solar Cells, Perovskite Film, Quantum Dots, Thin Film Solar Cells.

This book offers a global perspective of the current state of affairs in the field of solar power engineering. In four parts, this well-researched volume informs about: Established solar PV (photovoltaic) technologies Third-generation PV technologies based on new materials with potential for low-cost large-scale production Solar cell technology based on new (third-generation) concepts, such as quantum dot solar cells and nano wire solar cells using silicon and compound semiconductors Economic implications and effects, as well as policies and incentives in various countries of the world involved with solar energy implementation In addition to discussing manufacturing facts and implementation issues, this book emphasizes the implications of policy measures in countries with good PV activity, such as Japan, China, India, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the United States, and Canada. This volume is intended as a reference for a global audience of advanced students and R&D and industry professionals, as well as investors and policy-makers with fundamental knowledge of photovoltaic technology.

This thoroughly revised text, now in its third edition, continues to provide a detailed discussion on all the aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies from physics of solar cells to manufacturing technologies, solar PV system design and their applications. The Third Edition includes a new chapter on “Advances in c-Si Cell Processes Suitable for Near Future Commercialization” (Chapter 8) to introduce the technological advancement in the commercial production to keep the readers up to date. Organized in three parts, Part I introduces the fundamental principles of solar cell operation and design, Part II explains various technologies to fabricate solar cells and PV modules and Part III focuses on the use of solar photovoltaics as part of the system for providing electrical energy. In addition to this, numerous chapter-end exercises are given to reinforce the understanding of the subject. The text is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering for their courses on solar photovoltaic technologies and renewable energy technologies. The book is of immense use for teachers, researchers and professionals working in the photovoltaic field. In a nutshell, this book is an absolute must-read for all those who want to understand and apply the basics behind photovoltaic devices and systems.