Why do you investigate Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) for solar cells. Why not use silicon or other competing technologies?

Many competing technologies are currently more efficient and cheaper to produce than CZTS solar cells. We are investigating CZTS because it is very interesting and also promising. Why is it promising?

 

L.M. Peters, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 369 [2011] 1840-1856

• All elements are pretty non-toxic. This isn't a major issue for solar cells because they are encased in other materials and it is unlikely toxic parts will get out, but it is definite plus!
• All elements are easy to find (they are abundant). Unlike many competing technologies, there is more than enough of these elements on the planet than are needed to supply our current and growing energy needs. For example, CdTe cells are inexpensive, but there isn't enough of those elements on the planet to fulfill current energy demands.
• It is likely that the materials used to make the cells will stay cheap.
• Competing technologies often use an element called Indium, which is also needed to make new lights (LEDs) and displays, which may make cells made using it more expensive as the solar industry competes with other industries for a limited resource.

• It is easier to make CZTS solar cells than competing technologies, lowering their cost and reducing the amount of energy required to produce the cells. It tends to be less bothered by imperfections (mistakes) in the material. 
• Silicon solar cells must be made of extremely (~99.999 %) pure materials and don't perform well around defects. CZTS cells are less affected by these things.
• There is a lot of room for improvement! A lot about CZTS is unknown. Further research is needed! Processes can be optimized. 

Stay tuned to learn why CZTS is interesting!