THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES: STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Today, the renewable energy systems have a significant impact on the environment. One of the most promising renewable energy technologies is photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion, which represents the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. Commercial PV materials commonly used for PV systems include solar cells of silicium (Si), cadmium-telluride (CdTe), coper-indium-diselenide (CIS) and solar cells made of other thin layer materials. In this paper we will focus on the different thin film photovoltaic technologies, actual market situation and future challenges arising with growing PV demand. Also we will point out the advantages of the thin film photovoltaic technology for building integration, because the Building integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market is still one of the big hopes for thin film technologies.