Abstract
Research on Cr/oxide/p-type Si solar cells has produced a 12.2% efficiency on 2 cm2 area. Reliability studies have been conducted to determine if degradation occurs during use in an extreme environment. Several cells with A/R coatings and encapsulation have been tested with degradation occurring in some cases after 2 years of use. One cell without an A/R coating was used for 1+1/2 years with degradation occurring only after a crack had appeared. Dark I–V curves, photovoltaic data, and Auger analysis show a quite stable situation to exist. A stable MIS solar cell depends on selection of the insulator, deposition rate of the metal, elimination of moisture, selection of the A/R coating, bonding techniques, and choice of encapsulant. This work points to an optimistic view towards the fabrication of stable terrestrial MIS solar cells.
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Research supported by the NSF-RANN Program with technical supervision by the Department of Energy.