Development of thin film Solar cells based on WIde band Gap kesterite absorbers (SWInG)

The aim of this proposal is to develop wide band gap thin film solar cells based on kesterite absorbers for future

application in high efficiency and low cost tandem PV devices. The SWInG working group will focus both on the

development of the processes for the synthesis of such solar cells based on the Cu2ZnXY4 (with X=Sn, Si and Y=

S, Se) compounds and on the understanding of the physical and electrical properties of the high band gap absorber

in order to reach high conversion efficiency. The key research challenges will be: developing up-scalable processes

for the synthesis of the absorbers; defining the specifications for high quality wide band gap absorbers as well as

suitable back contact and buffer/window layers; assessing the potential of this technology for PV applications. The

wide band gap thin films solar cells developed in this project are expected to reach a stable efficiency of 15 % on a

laboratory scale and 12 % for a mini-module prototype. The publications of specifications for the synthesis of high

quality Cu2ZnXY4 absorber as well as suitable back/front contact are expected. The lead users will be PV modules

manufacturers that work so far with thin films technologies, as well as the companies that design and produce the

machines for the synthesis of such devices. The results will be disseminated and communicated to the European PV

industries and the scientific community. The intensive exchange of researchers between the partners during the project

will also lead to an enhanced European collaboration in the research field of thin film solar cells.