MATERIAL CONSTRAINTS FOR THIN-FILM SOLAR-CELLS

Harnessing solar energy by using photovoltaic cells has the potential to become a major CO2-free energy source. Materials requirements for t he solar cells based on four types of thin-film photovoltaics have bee n estimated and compared with global reserves, resources and annual re fining. The use of solar cells based on Cd, Ga, Ge, In, Ru, Se and Te as a major energy-supply technology has severe resource constraints. O ther systems such as a-Si without Ge and crystalline silicon do not in volve such constraints. For some of these metals, there is the risk of enhanced, environmentally deleterious concentrations in the ecosphere due to leakage from manufacturing, use or waste handling. (C) 1998 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.