Developments of Photovoltaics: Non-Silicon Solar Cells

Abstract

Since the development of the first silicon-based solar cell in the 1940s, people have exploited the availability of solar energy for electricity production. Because of the high production costs of these types of cells, the focus turned to new fabrication techniques and new materials for photovoltaics. Thus, the second and third generations of solar cells were born. This paper presents the materials and techniques used for non-silicon solar cell production and characterization.