A group of researchers from Russia has invented a 8.8% amorphous silicon solar cell

• The newly created photovoltaic cell is based on p-type transparent conductive film manufactured of carbon nanotubes. The innovation is announced to provide efficiency 16 per cent over the existing amorphous cells

A research team headed by the lab of nanomaterials at the Moscow-based CPQM announces having created a new type of 8.8 per cent efficient PV cell of amorphous Si.

The record was established thanks to an innovative p-type conductive film comprised of CNT fibers. The material used allowed indoor-temperature production of amorphous Silicon cells.

The previous efficiency indices achieved by the scientists were 1.6 per cent three years ago and 3.4% last year. Such a huge progress was possible due to the recently discovered p-type, transparent conductive material. 

The researchers state the performance achieved indicates an approximately 16 per cent growth compared to the amorphous Si efficiencies reported for today. So far, the maximum efficiency did not exceed 7 per cent, while theoretically solar cells made of a-Si can reach about 15 per cent conversion efficiency.

The conductor developed has such ground-breaking characteristics as sheet resistance of 17 Ohms-per-square at a 90 per cent visible light transmittance as well as high level of mechanical flexibility. 

The world market for a-Si cells is forecasted to become worth $5.31b in five years. Earlier, a-Si cells were mostly applied to little-sized e-devices because of their simplified design and low degree of efficiency. But the advanced production technologies as well as performance increase have allowed such cells to be used in BIPV. The expanding application of carbon nanotube fibers for e-vehicles provides the market with additional high-potential opportunities.