The ThiFiLab is dedicated to high efficiency polycrystalline thin-film solar cells production. The solar cells are characterized by the absorber: CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2. In addition to the absorber layers all the constituent films, their interaction during the production process and the interfaces formation are particularly studied. For this reason, the lab has acquired extensive experience in the implementation of:
- TCO (Transparent Conducting Oxide) as transparent electrodes
- Back-contact consisting of metals or semiconductors as opaque electrodes
- Window-layer as n-type semiconductors to be coupled with the absorbing materials (e pn junction).
- Absorber-layer in CdTe-, Cu(In,Ga)Se2- and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4- based solar cells
The laboratory is also equipped for the electro-optical characterization of the solar cells and for the structural studies of the constituent films. The purpose of the research is to obtain the maximum efficiency/cost ratio for both devices. In particular, the realization processes are developed for an easy transfer from the laboratory scale to the industrial production. In these years, was developed a technology transfer project, based on CdTe technology, which led to the construction of the production plant of Arendi SpA (18 MW/year). The ThiFiLab is involved in several national and international research projects dedicated to the creation of innovative photovoltaic devices with high efficiency and stability over time. Among them, within the Industry 2015 program, ThiFiLab participates in a BIPV project through the implementation of CIGS-based solar cell obtained by depositing the layers directly on commercial ceramic tiles.