Thin single crystal silicon solar cells on ceramic substrates
Subtitle: November 2009 - November 2010
By: Andy Kumar and K.V. Ravi, Crystal Solar, Inc
Contributors: Ravi, K. V., 1940-; Crystal Solar, Inc; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Series: NREL/SR -- 5200-51935; NREL/SR -- 5200-51935.
Publisher: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Golden, Colo
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 23
Subjects: Photovoltaic cells; Research; Solar cells; Design and construction; Thin films
Description: In this program we have been developing a technology for fabricating thin (< 50 micrometres) single crystal silicon wafers on foreign substrates. We reverse the conventional approach of depositing or forming silicon on foreign substrates by depositing or forming thick (200 to 400 micrometres) ceramic materials on high quality single crystal silicon films ~ 50 micrometres thick. Our key innovation is the fabrication of thin, refractory, and self-adhering "handling layers or substrates" on thin epitaxial silicon films in-situ, from powder precursors obtained from low cost raw materials. This "handling layer" has sufficient strength for device and module processing and fabrication. Successful production of full sized (125 mm X 125 mm) silicon on ceramic wafers with 50 micrometre thick single crystal silicon has been achieved and device process flow developed for solar cell fabrication. Impurity transfer from the ceramic to the silicon during the elevated temperature consolidation process has resulted in very low minority carrier lifetimes and resulting low cell efficiencies. Detailed analysis of minority carrier lifetime, metals analysis and device characterization have been done. A full sized solar cell efficiency of 8% has been demonstrated.
Notes: Title from title screen (viewed July 27, 2011).

"June 2011."

"Prepared under subcontract no. NEU-0-99010-06."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 23).

DE-AC36-08GO28308

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