Novel Approach to Front-Contact Passivation for CdTe Photovoltaics Award Number: DE-EE0007365 CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6 Solar Energy Technologies Office Date: 03/31/2016 Location(s): CO Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
June 11, 2016
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Novel Approach to Front-Contact Passivation for CdTe Photovoltaics
Award Number: DE-EE0007365
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Date: 03/31/2016
Location(s): CO
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Colorado State University (CSU) to increase open-circuit voltage and efficiency of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics by using micro-patterned oxides to passivate the front interface of CdTe.
Proposed activities would include deposition and patterning of thin films to make CdTe thin-film solar cells. These depositions and characterization would occur in-lab at CSU’s Engineering Research Center in Ft. Collins, CO. The facility in which lab work would occur is purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed project. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort. The facility has all applicable permits in place, and would not need additional permits for the proposed activities.