Thin film solar cell including a spatially modulated intrinsic layer

Abstract From the Canadian patent

One or more thin film solar cells in which the intrinsic layer of substantially amorphous semiconductor alloy material thereof includes at least a first bandgap portion and a narrower bandgap portion. The bandgap of the intrinsic layer is spatially graded through a portion of the bulk thickness, said graded portion including a region removed from the intrinsic layer-dopant layer interfaces. The bandgap of the intrinsic layer is always less than the bandgap of the doped layers. The gradation of the intrinsic layer is effected such that the open circuit voltage and/or the fill factor of the one or plural solar cell structure is enhanced.