The Use of Amorphous Silicon in Fabricating a Photovoltaic-Thermal ...

Thermal Generation in PV
• Convert 60-70% of incident radiation to thermal energy
• Can reach 35ºC above ambient [van Helden et al, 2004]
• With increasing temperature:
• I sat increases -> V oc decreases:
• Bandgap decreases -> I sc increases
• Net negative effect on efficiency
• Temperature Coefficients:
• c-Si: -0.4%/ºC [Emery et al, 1996]
• a-Si:H: -0.1%/ºC [Emery et al, 1996]
University of Toronto