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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L62795/01
Title: INVESTIGATIONS OF RAPID STABILISATION TREATMENTS FOR AMORPHOUS SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
Principal Investigator: Wilson, Professor Emeritus J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Intersolar Group Plc
Department: Physics
Organisation: Heriot-Watt University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 11 March 1998 Ends: 10 March 2000 Value (£): 6,737
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optoelect. Devices & Circuits Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The amorphous silicon solar cell has received considerable attention in both research laboratories and commercial production, due to the potential for low cost production. This is as a result of the use of abundant materials in a thin film design which can be extensively automated. However, it is well known that amorphous silicon solar cells exhibit a degradation effect, the Staebler-Wronski effect, on exposure to light and this can reduce the efficiency substantially in the initial operating period. The rate of degradation, the extent of the performance loss and the period over which satiability is reached are all dependent on the detail of the cell design, fabrication processes and stability treatments. The project will investigate both light soaking and current injection techniques for stabilization, considering the performance observed, the long term stability and the suitably for incorporation in the production process. The information from characterization of the changes in both cell and material parameters will be correlated with information about device structure and growth conditions supplied by the manufacturer to allow the prediction of appropriate stabilization techniques for existing and projected cell designs.
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Organisation Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk