This report details how the project aims to improve the efficiencies of solar cells.
Report extract
Key learning
How to use hydrogen passivation to fix defects in silicon
The effectiveness of hydrogen atoms in fixing up virtually any crystallographic defects or losses in performance associated with the presence of unwanted contaminants in the silicon. Of particular importance has been the knowledge gained in relation to how to control the hydrogen in a way that makes it far more effective in carrying out its passivation capabilities. This work has been particularly novel, with important patents arising from the work.
Implications for future projects
This new hydrogenation technology should be relevant to any silicon-based solar cell technology as a way of reducing losses and improving cell efficiencies. In particular, it allows lower quality silicon wafers and still makes high efficiencies feasible. It should therefore be an integral part of any future projects or solar cell technologies that are using the low cost commercial grades of silicon such as the new ARENA RND068 project where it will be used for the new generation of Pluto solar cells.
The technology is Australian owned and so can be available to any Australian projects or Australian solar cell technologies and manufacturing.
