Heterocontact-Polysilicon Hybrid Interdigitated Back Contact Solar Cells
- $507k Funded by ARENA
- $1.59m Total project cost
Summary
The project aims to develop Heterocontact-Polysilicon Hybrid interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells with efficiency of 24% and above.
Need
IBC architecture is proven to have potential for extremely high-efficiency. However, this is hindered by high production costs associated with complex fabrication and patterning of contacts for electrical separation on the rear surface.
Data on production cells in the market today indicates IBC solar cells form only 2% of the total photovoltaic market share, typically fitting niche applications where space is limited or heightened power-weight ratio is necessary.
Action
Addressing the need for a simplified fabrication sequence, this project proposes two distinct innovative technological progressions by combining doped chemical vapour deposition (CVD) polysilicon tunnel-oxide (Poly-Si/Ox) passivated contacts with dopant-free carrier-selective contacts.
Learn more
Report: Heterocontact-Polysilicon Hybrid IBC Solar Cell Lessons Learnt
This report shares the key findings, observations and outcomes of the project as at September 2021.
Media Release: Research Boost for Solar Panel Efficiency and Cost Reduction
ARENA announced it has awarded $15.14 million in funding to 16 research projects to help address solar PV panel efficiency, overall cost reductions and end-of-life issues.
Outcome
The project intends to develop an innovative, simplified and industrially viable fabrication process to reduce conventional complex fabrication processes for Heterocontact-Polysilicon Hybrid IBC solar cells. The project will identify and document key technological challenges and a path towards commercial readiness.
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Solar research funding awarded to 16 new projects
New funding will help solar researchers to develop panels that are more cost-effective and efficient.
