Status and Assessment of Photovoltaic Technologies

The history and status of the current photovoltaic technologies are reviewed and evaluated. The problems and strengths of single-crystal, polycrystalline, and amorphous technologies are discussed, compared, and assessed. Singlejunction and multiple-junction or tandem cell configurations are evaluated for performance, processing, and engineering criteria. Some emphasis is placed on the emerging thin film options for low cost terrestrial applications. Discussions centre around the basic photovoltaic system building block, the solar cell, but important module developments and problems are cited. Future technology and research directions are provided for materials, cells, and modules.