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Shockley Read Hall equation poses a limit to the maximum conversion efficiency of broadband solar radiation attainable by means of a single bandgap converter. A possible approach to overcome such a limit is to convert different parts of the broadband spectrum using different single junction converters. We consider here a different modus operandi where a single low-cost optimized plastic prismatic structure performs simultaneously the tasks of concentrating the solar light and, based on the dispersive behavior of the employed material, spatially splitting it into its spectral component. We discuss its approach, optical simulations, fabrication issues and preliminary experimental results demonstrating its feasibility for cost effective high efficiency Concentrated Photovoltaic Systems (CPV) systems.

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An approach to low-cost production of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells based on pulsed electron deposition (PED) has achieved a crucial milestone. Lab-scale solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 15% were obtained by depositing CIGS from a stoichiometric quaternary target at 270 °C and without any post-growth treatment. An effective control of the p-doping level in CIGS was achieved by starting the PED deposition with a layer of NaF tailored to generate the optimum Na diffusion. These results show that PED is a promising technology for the development of a competitive low-cost production process for CIGS solar cells.