In SOLO-PV we developed low-cost fabrication processes and materials for thin film photovoltaics (TFPV) of the 3rd generation. The project focused on the copper-zinc-tin-sulfur-selenium (CZTSSe) absorber – a compound semiconductor, which contains only earth abundant elements and can lead to high power conversion efficiencies, similar to other commercial TFPV technologies. The CZTSSe absorber was deposited by solution-based methods, namely chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP), electrochemical deposition (ECD) and spin coating, followed by a thermal treatment to induce the desired kesterite crystal phase. Along with the absorber, SOLO-PV used chemical bath deposition to deposit cadmium-free buffer layers, as well as ECD and CSP for the window layer and the transparent contact. SOLO-PV has therefore evaluated a range of solution-based techniques and materials that bear the potential to drastically reduce the cost of TFPV and foster their deployment and their integration into the built environment.
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