Materials Challenges: Inorganic Photovoltaic Solar Energy

This authoritative reference covers the various aspects of materials science that will impact on the next generation of photovoltaic (PV) module technology. The emphasis on materials brings a fresh perspective to the literature and highlights crucial issues. Special attention is given to thin film PV materials, an area that is growing more rapidly than crystalline silicon and could dominate in the long term. The book addresses the fundamental aspects of PV solar cell materials and gives a comprehensive description of each major thin film material, either in research or production. Particular weight is given to the key materials drivers of solar conversion efficiency, long term stability, materials costs, and materials sustainability.

Stuart Irvine has over thirty years experience in thin film semiconductor deposition and characterisation for opto-electronic devices. Executive Director for the UK research consortium (PV Supergen) and Director of the Centre for Solar Energy Research at OpTIC Technium. Prof Bagnall is based in the new ú120M Southampton Nanofabrication Centre in Electronics and Computer Science. He has spent over 20 years researching a range of semiconductor technologies. His current research focuses on the application of nanotechnology to thin film silicon photovoltaic devices. He is a member of Supergen PV21 and a member of the UK-ISES and PVSAT organising committees.