Objective
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The objective is to demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that in a silicon solar cell both maximum cell efficiency and lowest manufacturing costs can be achieved for wafer thicknesses between 100 and 150 Mm. This has benefit in lowering the cost of modules by having simultaneously a high module power and low manufacturing costs due to the use of thin silicon wafers and balance of system costs are also reduced.
TECHNICAL APPROACH
The project starts by modelling solar cell structures to define the ideal combination of wafer thickness, resistivity, minority carrier diffusion length and surface passivation for the highest efficiency. This modelling will be consistent with known parameters achievable from available processing techniques. Having defined the desirable solar cell structure the project is directed at realising these structures. The following sequence will be followed
WP1 Solar Cell Modelling
WP2 Preparation of substrates
WP3 Solar Cell Development
WP4 Module development and testing
Wire sawing will be used to cut the thin wafers and the PERC cell structure will form a basis for the solar cell development.
EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS AND EXPLOITATION
The expected outcomes are higher efficiency solar cells than present and a much lower utilisation of silicon around 50% less than that previously used. This should result in technological leadership for the participant companies giving lower production costs superior products and a significantly increased market. The specific targets are to demonstrate laboratory solar cells of 4 cm2 area with efficiencies of >18% and in solar cells made under production conditions >17 % efficiency on a 100cm2, both on wafers thinner than 150 um.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
TW167XA SUNBURY-ON-THAMES
United Kingdom