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New technologies for solar energy silicon - Cost analysis of BCL processNew technologies for producing polysilicon are being developed to provide lower cost material for solar cells which convert sunlight into electricity. This article presents results for the BCL Process, which produces the solar-cell silicon by reduction of silicon tetrachloride with zinc vapor. Cost, sensitivity, and profitability analysis results are presented based on a preliminary process design of a plant to produce 1000 metric tons/year of silicon by the BCL Process. Profitability analysis indicates a sales price of $12.1-19.4 per kg of silicon (1980 dollars) at a 0-25 per cent DCF rate of return on investment after taxes. These results indicate good potential for meeting the goal of providing lower cost material for silicon solar cells.
Document ID
19800056544
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yaws, C. L.
(Lamar Univ. Beaumont, TX, United States)
Li, K.-Y.
(Lamar University Beaumont, Tex., United States)
Fang, C. S.
(Southwestern Louisiana, University Lafayette, La., United States)
Lutwack, R.
(Lamar Univ. Beaumont, TX, United States)
Hsu, G.
(Lamar Univ. Beaumont, TX, United States)
Leven, H.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Solar Energy
Volume: 24
Issue: 4, 19
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
80A40714
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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