Abstract
The potential of cheap semiconductor materials in the area of solar energy use is illustrated by the example of zinc oxide (pure and Al-doped in various concentrations). Under investigation was the electric conductivity and photoelectric properties of ZnO thin films. The samples were prepared using screen-printing technique. The results of measurements point to non-linear relationships between Al concentration, photosensitivity and electrical conductivity of thin ZnO films. Optimal Al concentration for practical use of ZnO in photovoltaic devices is found to be ~ 1%. The experimental methods, technologies and results described in the paper could be used for further investigations in this area.