Flexible CdTe thin-film cells reach 12.4% efficiency

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Researchers from EMPA have improved the efficiency of flexible CdTe thin-film solar cells to 12.4% value.

The laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics of EMPA, Switzerland has developed highest efficiency flexible CdTe thin-film solar cells on a lightweight polymer (polyimide) film by using a low temperature – below 450°C – vacuum evaporation process to grow CdS/CdTe layers and a subsequent annealing step in air.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

This 12.4% device structure is the use of ZnO:Al as a transparent electrical contact instead of the expensive ITO (indium tin oxide) layer the company used earlier in 11.4% efficiency solar cells. Substitution of ITO with a bi-layer of ZnO/ZnO:Al also improved process yield and reproducibility of high efficiency solar cells. The photovoltaic parameters of the 12.4% efficiency solar cell measured under standard AM1.5 illumination condition are Voc= 823 mV, Jsc= 19.6 mA.cm-2, FF= 76.5%.

The research group has been involved in the development of CdTe solar cells on glass and polymer substrates for several years, developing low temperature and compatible processes and combating the reduction of optical and electronic losses limiting the cell performance.

All the process steps of the flexible solar cells are compatible with continuous in-line processing and can be transferred to roll-to-roll manufacturing of large area solar modules with high deposition speed. Such high efficiency flexible CdTe solar cells could become a low cost option for cost effective solar electricity generation in the near future, meaning another potential increase for the sector market.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
US solar residential installer Sunnova has entered into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with Omnidian for some of its assets.
July 10, 2025
A report published by the US Department of Energy (DOE) this week claims that the previous government’s support for renewable energy could cause blackouts to “increase by 100 times” by 2030.
July 10, 2025
UbiQD has signed a supply agreement with First Solar to supply its fluorescent quantum dot technology for use in the latter’s PV panels.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK