Objectif Objectives and problems to be solved:The readiness issue of silicon is a medium to long-term threat for PV industry to move beyond the growth constraints imposed by the current supply of feedstock. The main objective of the research project SWEET is to develop "wafer-equivalents", i.e. cost-effective thin film silicon solar cells grown on low-cost silicon substrates, represented either by recycled silicon wafers or by wafers cast from highly doped "off-spec" silicon feedstock not used by the IC industry. The aim is to achieve 16% cell and 14% module efficiency. With this new source of silicon feedstock for the production of PV power, a medium-term cost target of <2.0 /Wp, and a long term cost target <1 /Wp shall be achieved.Description of work:For the fabrication of a PV module made from crystalline silicon solar cells, highest cost reduction potential lies in the wafer and cell processing steps. Using reduced-quality silicon feedstock and thin silicon layers are two important steps to realize a cost reduction. Both steps will be addressed in the proposed project work. Main goal is to achieve high efficiencies and lowest cost for a wafer equivalent, which can be introduced directly into a standard solar cell production line. This requires removing a number of technical/economic constraints before the technology can be implemented in a large scale.The work programme therefore includes:- casting of crystals from off-spec silicon best suited for a high-quality substrate;- cost reduction of crystal growth and use of larger and thinner wafers;- usage of re-cycled wafers from IC industry as "feedstock" source from "waste";- optimisation of innovative high-throughput epitaxial CVD growth of silicon layers;- application of surface structuring methods to increase light trapping;- application of innovative passivation techniques to increase cell efficiency;- investigation of applicability of wafer-equivalents in standard cell production lines;- fabrication of modules made from wafer-equivalents based on crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells;- calculation of cost saving potentials given by this technology.Expected results and exploitation plans:Key deliverables of the project are:1. a 16% efficient solar cell 10x10cm2 on a wafer equivalent made from low-cost silicon;2. a 14% efficient solar cell module from wafer equivalents made from low-cost silicon;3. An economic assessment of thin film silicon solar cells/modules from low-cost Si substrates with epic layers.As a result of the project, a technology will be available to manufacture cost-efficient silicon thin-film solar cells based on double-usage of silicon wafers or otherwise wasted highly pure off-spec silicon. Champ scientifique engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcrystalsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and filmsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids Programme(s) FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002" Thème(s) 1.1.4.-6. - Key action Economic and Efficient Energy for a Competitive Europe Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinateur FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.* Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Heidenhofstrasse 2 79110 FREIBURG (IN BREISGAU) Allemagne Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (4) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire APLICACIONES TECNICAS DE LA ENERGIA SA Espagne Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Cami del Bony 14 46470 CATARROJA - ALBAL Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée CRYSTALOX LTD. Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Limborough Road 1 OX12 9AJ Wantage - Oxforshire Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée INTERUNIVERSITAIR MIKRO-ELEKTRONICA CENTRUM VZW Belgique Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Kapeldreef 75 3001 HEVERLEE Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée PV SILICON FROSCHUNGS UND PRODUKTIONS AG Allemagne Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Wilhelm-Wolff-Str. 27 99099 ERFURT Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée