CUINSE2 FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS - A CRITICAL-ASSESSMENT

CuInSe2 is one of the most promising absorbing-generating semiconducto r materials for photovoltaic solar energy conversion. An in-depth stud y of the current status of CuInSe2 and its impact in the field of sola r cell technology is presented. First the structural, optical and elec trical properties are given. Then, the principles of all deposition te chniques, the conditions of deposition, details on the nature of the d eposits and their usefulness for device fabrication, with an appraisal of each deposition technique, are given. Next, the steps and material s employed in the development of CuInSe2-based solar cells and modules are given. Lastly, a comparison of the techniques is made to identify a commercially viable deposition technique for successful development of large-area thin-film solar cells.