Photovoltaic device with a zinc magnesium oxide window layer

US9082903B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• First Solar, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Rui Shao · Dublin, US
• Markus Gloeckler · Perrysburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 21, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 14, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

Methods and devices are described for a photovoltaic device and substrate structure. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a substrate structure and a CdTe absorber layer, the substrate structure including a Zn1-xMgxO window layer and a low conductivity buffer layer. Another embodiment is directed to a process for manufacturing a photovoltaic device including forming a Zn1-xMgxO window layer over a substrate by at least one of sputtering, evaporation deposition, CVD, chemical bath deposition process and vapor transport deposition process. The process including forming a CdTe absorber layer above the Zn1-xMgxO window layer.