Solar energy stands out as an abundant and practically limitless natural power source for our planet. Consequently, the ongoing pursuit of highly efficient solar cells, as a strategic response to critical environmental and economic challenges, takes on paramount significance. In this context, various types of photovoltaic cells are undergoing development and have been around for a very long time, with thin-film solar cells emerging as particularly noteworthy.
This Research Topic addresses the evolving landscape associated with thin-film solar cell technologies, primarily driven by the imperative to reduce material costs. We invite contributions in the form of research and review papers, encompassing both theoretical and experimental perspectives, in domains related to the advancement of high-conversion thin-film solar cells.
The recent progress in high-efficiency thin-film solar cells holds great promise for revolutionizing solar energy; however, significant challenges impede their widespread adoption. A critical issue is the need to enhance conversion efficiency while concurrently addressing material costs and manufacturing scalability. To tackle this, researchers must delve into novel materials and designs to boost efficiency, exploring multiple junction thin-film solar cells for enhanced energy capture. Cost reduction strategies should encompass innovative approaches to minimize material expenses without compromising performance, along with sustainable sourcing and recycling initiatives.
The optimization of manufacturing processes for thin-film solar cells is pivotal for scalability and cost-effectiveness. This involves streamlining fabrication methods, embracing automation, and employing advanced manufacturing techniques to facilitate mass production. Durability and reliability concerns can be mitigated by developing protective coatings and anti-reflective technologies, coupled with investigations into materials and encapsulation techniques to counter potential degradation factors.
The exploration of emerging technologies, such as inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructured solar cells, tandem thin-film solar, transparent photovoltaics, and others, presents opportunities to diversify and enhance performance. Moreover, advancements in the design, modeling, and fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures can optimize light trapping and absorption, supported by the development of transparent conductive oxides for improved overall cell performance. Integrating thin-film solar cells into comprehensive photovoltaic systems and conducting theoretical analyses on fundamental aspects will further propel the field, ultimately overcoming barriers to the widespread adoption of high-efficiency thin-film solar cells in the global energy landscape.
The scope of the "Recent advances in high-efficiency thin-film solar cells" Research Topic encompasses the following themes:
Material Advancements:
- Exploration of novel materials for thin-film solar cell development
- Enhancement of material properties for improved efficiency and durability
Fabrication Techniques:
- Innovations in fabrication methods for thin-film solar cells
- Comparative studies on different fabrication techniques and their impact on performance
Performance Optimization:
- Strategies for optimizing the performance of thin-film solar cells
- Investigations into factors influencing efficiency and stability
Integration and Applications:
- Integration of thin-film solar cells into diverse applications
- Novel applications and emerging technologies utilizing thin-film solar cells
Characterization and Analysis:
- Advanced characterization techniques for evaluating thin-film solar cell properties
- Analysis of factors affecting performance and reliability
A mix of full Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews/Mini-reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and Hypothesis and Theory papers are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to address one or more of the specified themes within the context of thin-film solar cell research.
Keywords:
Thin-film solar cells, Design and modeling of materials and solar cell stacks, Multifunctional coatings, Semiconductors for thin-film solar cells, Transparent solar cells
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Solar energy stands out as an abundant and practically limitless natural power source for our planet. Consequently, the ongoing pursuit of highly efficient solar cells, as a strategic response to critical environmental and economic challenges, takes on paramount significance. In this context, various types of photovoltaic cells are undergoing development and have been around for a very long time, with thin-film solar cells emerging as particularly noteworthy.
This Research Topic addresses the evolving landscape associated with thin-film solar cell technologies, primarily driven by the imperative to reduce material costs. We invite contributions in the form of research and review papers, encompassing both theoretical and experimental perspectives, in domains related to the advancement of high-conversion thin-film solar cells.
The recent progress in high-efficiency thin-film solar cells holds great promise for revolutionizing solar energy; however, significant challenges impede their widespread adoption. A critical issue is the need to enhance conversion efficiency while concurrently addressing material costs and manufacturing scalability. To tackle this, researchers must delve into novel materials and designs to boost efficiency, exploring multiple junction thin-film solar cells for enhanced energy capture. Cost reduction strategies should encompass innovative approaches to minimize material expenses without compromising performance, along with sustainable sourcing and recycling initiatives.
The optimization of manufacturing processes for thin-film solar cells is pivotal for scalability and cost-effectiveness. This involves streamlining fabrication methods, embracing automation, and employing advanced manufacturing techniques to facilitate mass production. Durability and reliability concerns can be mitigated by developing protective coatings and anti-reflective technologies, coupled with investigations into materials and encapsulation techniques to counter potential degradation factors.
The exploration of emerging technologies, such as inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructured solar cells, tandem thin-film solar, transparent photovoltaics, and others, presents opportunities to diversify and enhance performance. Moreover, advancements in the design, modeling, and fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures can optimize light trapping and absorption, supported by the development of transparent conductive oxides for improved overall cell performance. Integrating thin-film solar cells into comprehensive photovoltaic systems and conducting theoretical analyses on fundamental aspects will further propel the field, ultimately overcoming barriers to the widespread adoption of high-efficiency thin-film solar cells in the global energy landscape.
The scope of the "Recent advances in high-efficiency thin-film solar cells" Research Topic encompasses the following themes:
Material Advancements:
- Exploration of novel materials for thin-film solar cell development
- Enhancement of material properties for improved efficiency and durability
Fabrication Techniques:
- Innovations in fabrication methods for thin-film solar cells
- Comparative studies on different fabrication techniques and their impact on performance
Performance Optimization:
- Strategies for optimizing the performance of thin-film solar cells
- Investigations into factors influencing efficiency and stability
Integration and Applications:
- Integration of thin-film solar cells into diverse applications
- Novel applications and emerging technologies utilizing thin-film solar cells
Characterization and Analysis:
- Advanced characterization techniques for evaluating thin-film solar cell properties
- Analysis of factors affecting performance and reliability
A mix of full Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews/Mini-reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and Hypothesis and Theory papers are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to address one or more of the specified themes within the context of thin-film solar cell research.
Keywords:
Thin-film solar cells, Design and modeling of materials and solar cell stacks, Multifunctional coatings, Semiconductors for thin-film solar cells, Transparent solar cells
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.