

This part briefly explains the types of thin film solar cell. Many different materials and components contribute to the make-up of a thin film solar cell. This was extended to larger modules capable of a broader range of applications. The first thin-film photovoltaic technology to be commercialized was the amorphous silicon, which was used to power small electronic devices such as calculators. The thicknesses of thin film layers are less as compared to P-N junction solar cells.

A thin semiconductor device deposited on a glass or plastic substrate creates thin-film solar modules. The thin film solar cells are also known as a thin film photovoltaic cell (TFPV). Thin film solar cells are the new generation of solar cells that contain multiple thin film layers of photovoltaic materials. It offers the most promising options for substantially reducing the cost of photovoltaic systems and allows high market penetration of solar electricity. Thin-film solar cells will become significant renewable resources for our sustainable energy supply in the near future. Design engineers interested in the latest editions to the REOTRON SMP variable power supply range can call +44 (0) 1588 673411, or visit the REO UK website for more information.Image Credits: /SoonthornWongsaita The REOTRON SMP range comprises primary switched-mode power supplies with DC output, which electronic design engineers which can be widely used in Renewables applications, Electric Vehicle testing, for battery emulation and general process and test applications. This allows REO UK to offer an off-the-shelf solutions for any power between watts (W).
THREE THIN FILM SOLARCELL SOFTWARE
In addition, REO UK uses software to configure the REOTRON SMP250-30 units to provide any voltage between 10 to 250 V, and between 1 and 30 A. “This means REO UK can supply the variable DC power supply quickly and at a lower cost for its customers.” “Rather than build several variable DC power supplies to varying specifications, REO UK instead focused on a one-size-fits-all approach,” explained Hughes. “Many of these challenges have negatively impacted component availability and increased lead times, causing a spike in price for manufacturers.” “The electrical components industry has faced many setbacks as a result of COVID, the closure of manufacturing sites and natural disasters,” said Steve Hughes, managing director at REO UK. The unit provides a constant voltage, or current, to the process which ensures that the coating is of the correct thickness, measured in nm, and with low variability to ensure each solar cell meets appropriate standards. The REOTRON SMP250-30 provides the variable DC power supply which is vital in the manufacturing of solar cells and other products and applications which require thin film deposition. The unit is provided with Profibus or EtherCat interfacing as standard, so it can be easily-integrated into a manufacturer’s process management systems. The new REOTRON SMP250-30 variable DC power supply has been created as a more flexible solution, which allows current and voltage to be factory-defined for a wider range of applications compared to the other units in the REOTRON line. To help manufacturers address these issues, electrical products manufacturer REO UK has launched REOTRON SMP250-30, a one-size-fits-all variable direct current (DC) power supply that provides up to 250 volts (V) at 30 amps (A) with a maximum power of 5 kW. Solar panel manufacturers must satisfy this rising demand, despite the global semiconductor shortage that's causing a lack of availability and longer lead times for vital products used in their manufacture and other thin film manufacturing processes. Manufacturers’ interest in solar energy continues to surge, following reductions in VAT on energy efficient systems and a growing need to cut mounting energy bills for businesses.
