Thin film solar cells promise acceptable efficiency at low cost. This tutorial examines the device physics of thin-film solar cells, which generally require a different type of analysis than crystalline solar cells.

Organic solar cells make use of low-cost organic polymers for photovoltaics. Although these solar cells may appear to be quite different from solar cells made with conventional, inorganic semiconductors (e.g. they make use of exciton generation rather than electron-hole generation) this tutorial shows that the essential device physics is readily understood in terms of familiar solar cell fundamentals. The use of phase-segregated, "bulk heterojunction" structures to enhance the short-circuit current is described.

An introduction to solar cells covering the basics of PN junctions, optical absorption, and IV characteristics. Key technology options and economic considers are briefly presented.

Solar cell performance is determined by generation and recombination of electron-hole pairs. This tutorial focussing on recombination losses in crystalline silicon solar cells under short-circuit and open-circuit conditions.

Modeling and simulation play an important role in designing and optimizing PV systems. This tutorial is a broad overview of the topic including a look at detailed, numerical device simulation.