Influence of Transparent Conducting Oxide on Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell Performance

The use of transparent conducting oxides (TCO) as electrical contacts in a-Si:H solar cells has stimulated interest in the multitude of effects that these layers have on a-Si:H solar cell performance. The study of a-Si:H p-i-n junctions using a TCO contact involves many factors such as, interdiffusion, transmission, reflection, and resistivity. In this paper, we attempt to distinguish between these factors through the role they play in determining the solar cell device performance. Devices were characterized via dark and illuminated current vs. voltage (I-V) measurements, and spectral response. It was found that the properties of the TCO have an important role in influencing FF and Jsc in the devices.