Advanced Silicon Solar Cells
- $1.11m Funded by ARENA
- $4.01m Total project cost
Summary
A collaboration between university and industry researchers will investigate alternative methods for the deposition of thin layers of polycrystalline silicon onto silicon wafers. Such thin layers can form the junctions of the solar cell and simultaneously provide excellent passivation of its surfaces and metallic contacts. The novel technologies will be demonstrated with proof-of-concept devices, and assessed for mass production of high efficiency silicon solar cells.
Key results
This project successfully developed industrially-compatible technology for the fabrication of n-type silicon solar cells with efficiencies over 25%. The next step will be to move this technology from the pilot lines to mass production at Jinko Solar. This project has demonstrated the value of collaboration between Australian research teams and the PV industry. Australian PV R&D capabilities are world-class, and highly sought after by industry partners. By working together, we are able to accelerate the development of PV technology, for the benefit of consumers in Australia and around the world.
Learn more
Report: DESIJN Advanced Silicon Solar Cells Final Report
This is the final report for the Advanced Silicon Solar Cells by DESIJN (Deposited Silicon Junctions) project.
Report: Advanced Silicon Solar Cells by DESIJN
This report discusses the project results and lessons learnt to date for the ANU Project, Advanced Silicon Solar Cells by DESIJN (Deposited Silicon Junctions).
Media Release: Funding Boost for World-Leading Solar PV Research
On behalf of the Australian Government, ARENA announced it has awarded $29.2 million for 20 research projects to propel the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
Project innovation
Given that the fabrication cost of silicon solar cells is already very low, improving their performance has become a priority. To achieve that goal, the Advanced Silicon Solar Cells project will develop novel technologies based on depositing thin layers of silicon to form the junctions required to extract electric power. Such deposited junctions are far superior to the traditional ones, and they permit to achieve conversion efficiencies in the range of 25%.
Benefit
The Advanced Silicon Solar Cells project will contribute to increase the performance of silicon solar cells by developing advanced technologies that are compatible with current industrial processes. New fabrication methods, including one invented by the Australian researchers, will facilitate the transition of the silicon PV industry to a new generation of low-cost, high-efficiency silicon solar cells.
