Next Generation Photovoltaics

"First generation" solar cells were based on silicon wafers. These had a fairly high conversion (solar energy to electricity) efficiency but were cost intensive. "Second generation" cells are based on thin films deposited on substrates - these are cheaper but their conversion efficiency is far worse. All "third generation" PV research is centred on improving the efficiency of these second generation cells, through utilisation of more of the solar spectrum.This book, resulting from a workshop held in March 2002, presents a complete overview of the status of third generation PV research, including the most popular tandem and multiple cell devices, and more exotic technologies such as quantum dot and organic based methods. It should be a useful reference to those working on PV devices and related technologies.