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ABSTRACT
This manuscript [BE 8579] reviews the development of potential materials and associated technologies for photovoltaic applications. We start by the advantages and disadvantages of the first generation of solar cells based on crystalline silicon materials, namely monocrystalline and polycrystallin. Then we discuss the properties of thin films based solar cells, inorganic materials such as CIGS and CdTe, organic materials (polymers and small molecules) or hybrid materials (DSSC, Perovskites). We will also briefly describe the advanced concepts which enable to achieve very high efficiencies. The last paragraph is devoted to the current status of the photovoltaic market in terms of module production and related costs. Finally, we discuss the role of photovoltaic energy as part of the global energy mix.
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Abdelilah SLAOUI: CNRS Research Director, Laboratory for Engineering, Computer Science and Imaging, ICUBE, CNRS and University of Strasbourg
INTRODUCTION
The ever-increasing demand for energy and the limitations of fossil fuel resources, combined with predicted global warming, have long been driving forces behind the development of the most efficient photovoltaic cells, and the search for innovative processes to drastically reduce manufacturing costs.
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KEYWORDS
solar modules | solar cells | optoelectronics
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