Abstract: A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the same are described. The method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a photovoltaic substructure including a substrate, back contact, absorber and buffer, forming a transparent cover separate from the photovoltaic substructure including a transparent layer and a plasmonic nanostructured layer in contact with the transparent layer, and adhering the transparent cover on top of the photovoltaic substructure. The plasmonic nanostructured layer can include metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell generally comprises delivering a solar cell substructure to a chamber. Electromagnetic radiation is generated using a wave generating device that is coupled to the chamber such that the wave generating device is positioned proximate to the solar cell substructure. The electromagnetic radiation is applied onto at least a portion of the solar cell substructure to facilitate the diffusion of at least one metal element through at least a portion of the solar cell substructure such that a semiconductor interface is formed between at least two different types of semiconductor materials of the solar cell substructure.

Abstract: Provided are methods for forming antireflective layers on solar cells using wet chemical processes and solar cells with anti-reflective layers formed of ZnO based nanorods. Self-assembling ZnO nanorods are generated in the chemical solution without any catalysts. The nanorods are formed to different shapes such as hexagonal, cubic, and circular in cross-section. The refractive index of the ARC layer formed of the nanorods is modulated by controlling the diameter and length of the nanorods by controlling the Molarity of the solution used to form the nanorods. A correlation is established between the refractive index and solution Molarity and a solution is prepared with the desired Molarity. The nanorods are formed from HMT ([CH2]6NH4) and a dissociative Zn2+/OH? chemical such as Zn(NO3)2.

Abstract: A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the same are described. The method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a photovoltaic substructure including a substrate, back contact, absorber and buffer, forming a transparent cover separate from the photovoltaic substructure including a transparent layer and a plasmonic nanostructured layer in contact with the transparent layer, and adhering the transparent cover on top of the photovoltaic substructure. The plasmonic nanostructured layer can include metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell generally comprises delivering a solar cell substructure to a chamber. Electromagnetic radiation is generated using a wave generating device that is coupled to the chamber such that the wave generating device is positioned proximate to the solar cell substructure. The electromagnetic radiation is applied onto at least a portion of the solar cell substructure to facilitate the diffusion of at least one metal element through at least a portion of the solar cell substructure such that a semiconductor interface is formed between at least two different types of semiconductor materials of the solar cell substructure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a back contact layer disposed above the substrate, an absorber layer comprising an absorber material disposed above the back contact layer, and a buffer layer disposed above the absorber layer. The buffer layer includes a first layer comprising the absorber material doped with zinc, and a second layer comprising a zinc-containing compound and a cadmium-containing compound.

Abstract: A solar cell includes an absorber layer, a buffer layer on the absorber layer, a front contact layer where a glass substrate, a back contact layer on the glass substrate, the absorber layer on the back contact layer, the buffer layer, and the front contact layer are manufactured as a first module at a temperature exceeding 500 degrees Celsius. The solar further includes an extracted portion from the first module where the extracted portion includes the absorber layer, the buffer layer, and the front contact layer, and where the extracted portion is applied to a flexible substrate or other substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer for photon absorption over a substrate, forming a buffer layer above the absorber layer, wherein both the absorber layer and the buffer layer are semiconductors, and forming a layer of intrinsic zinc oxide above the buffer layer through a hydrothermal reaction in a solution of a zinc-containing salt and an alkaline chemical.