Abstract Flexible thin film solar cells such as CIGS, CdTe, and a-Si:H have received worldwide attention. Until now, Si solar cells dominate the photovoltaic market. Its production cost is a major concern since Si substrates account for the major cost. One way to reduce the module production cost is to use the low-cost flexible substrates. It reduces the installation and transportation charges also, thereby reducing the system price. Apart from metallic foils, plastic films and flexible glass, paper substrates such as cellulose papers, bank notes, security papers and plain white copying papers are also used as substrates for flexible solar cells. In this review, recent developments in flexible CIGS, CdTe and a-Si:H solar cells are reported. Progress on various flexible foils, fabrication and stability issues, current challenges and solutions to those challenges of using flexible foils, and industrial scenario are reviewed in detail. Encapsulation issues and solutions related to water vapor transmission rate are discussed.

中文翻译：

---

基于柔性 CIGS、CdTe 和 a-Si:H 的薄膜太阳能电池：综述

摘要 CIGS、CdTe、a-Si:H等柔性薄膜太阳能电池受到世界范围的关注。到目前为止，硅太阳能电池主导着光伏市场。由于硅衬底占主要成本，因此其生产成本是一个主要问题。降低模块生产成本的一种方法是使用低成本的柔性基板。它还减少了安装和运输费用，从而降低了系统价格。除了金属箔、塑料薄膜和柔性玻璃外，纸基材如纤维素纸、钞票、证券纸和普通白色复印纸也用作柔性太阳能电池的基材。在这篇综述中，报告了柔性 CIGS、CdTe 和 a-Si:H 太阳能电池的最新进展。各种柔性箔、制造和稳定性问题的进展，详细回顾了使用柔性箔和工业场景的当前挑战和解决方案。讨论了与水蒸气透过率相关的封装问题和解决方案。