Breakthrough in Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology Demonstrated Using Inkjet Printing

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Tampere University in Finland have made significant advancements in the development of thin-film solar cells, overcoming long-standing limitations associated with traditional contacting techniques. The team, led by Prabudeva Ramu, has successfully developed a method for fabricating external electrical connections using inkjet printing processes, resulting in improved photovoltaic properties and a substantial reduction in electrical losses. This innovative approach, published in the journal Applied Physics Letters, has the potential to revolutionize the production of thin-film solar cells, making them more efficient, reliable, and scalable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team at Tampere University has introduced a novel method for fabricating external electrical connections for thin-film solar cells using inkjet printing processes.
  • The method involves printing a polymer isolation layer and depositing a gold layer using electron beam deposition, resulting in a proof-of-concept solar cell with functional contacts.
  • The device demonstrated good photovoltaic properties and a significant reduction in electrical losses (7%) compared to contacts fabricated using wire bonding.
  • The team utilized a wafer-level epitaxial lift-off process to fabricate the thin-film solar cell, enabling the scalable production of these cells.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Applied Physics Letters, highlighting its reliability and potential for practical application.
  • The findings have significant implications for the development of efficient and sustainable solar energy harvesting technologies.

Statistics:

  • The reduction in electrical losses achieved by the new method is 7%.
  • The method utilizes a wafer-level epitaxial lift-off process, enabling the scalable production of thin-film solar cells.
  • The research team is led by Prabudeva Ramu, with additional authors including Mircea Guina, Arto Aho, Ville Polojarvi, Timo Aho, and Antti Tukiainen.

Sources:

  • NewsRx, "Findings from Tampere University in the Area of Applied Physics Reported (External Contacts Formation for Thin-film Iii-v Solar Cells Exploiting Inkjet Printing)," Journal of Engineering, October 20, 2025, p 794.
  • Applied Physics Letters, "External Contacts Formation for Thin-film Iii-v Solar Cells Exploiting Inkjet Printing," 2025; 127(2).
  • Tampere University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Optoelectronics Research Center, Unit of Physics, Pob 692, Fi-33014 Tampere, Finland.