IR-imaging and non-destructive loss analysis on thin film solar modules and cells

Jens Adams; Frank W. Fecher; Felix Hoga; Andreas Vetter; Claudia Buerhop; Christoph J. Brabec

doi:10.1117/12.2061724

3 October 2014 IR-imaging and non-destructive loss analysis on thin film solar modules and cells

Jens Adams, Frank W. Fecher, Felix Hoga, Andreas Vetter, Claudia Buerhop, Christoph J. Brabec

Proceedings Volume 9177, Thin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VI; 917703 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061724
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

CIGS thin film solar modules, despite their high efficiency, may contain three different kinds of macroscopic defects referred to as bulk defects, interface defects and interconnect defects. These occur due to the film’s sensitivity to inhomogeneities during the manufacturing process and decreasing the electrical power output from a cell or module. In this study, we present infrared (IR) imaging and contactless loss analyses of defects contained in commercially manufactured thin film solar modules. We investigated different relations between the emitted IR-signal (using illuminated lock-in thermography ILIT) and the respective open circuit cell voltage (Voc) as well as the maximum power point (Pmpp). A simulation study, using the 2D finite element method (FEM), provides a deeper understanding as to the impact on electrical performance when defects are present on the cell or module.

Citation Download Citation

Jens Adams, Frank W. Fecher, Felix Hoga, Andreas Vetter, Claudia Buerhop, and Christoph J. Brabec "IR-imaging and non-destructive loss analysis on thin film solar modules and cells", Proc. SPIE 9177, Thin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VI, 917703 (3 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061724

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available