Development of processes for the production of low cost silicon dendritic web for solar cellsHigh area output rates and continuous, automated growth are two key technical requirements for the growth of low-cost silicon ribbons for solar cells. By means of computer-aided furnace design, silicon dendritic web output rates as high as 27 sq cm/min have been achieved, a value in excess of that projected to meet a $0.50 per peak watt solar array manufacturing cost. The feasibility of simultaneous web growth while the melt is replenished with pelletized silicon has also been demonstrated. This step is an important precursor to the development of an automated growth system. Solar cells made on the replenished material were just as efficient as devices fabricated on typical webs grown without replenishment. Moreover, web cells made on a less-refined, pelletized polycrystalline silicon synthesized by the Battelle process yielded efficiencies up to 13% (AM1).
Document ID
19810042676
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Duncan, C. S. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Seidensticker, R. G. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Mchugh, J. P. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Hopkins, R. H. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Skutch, M. E. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Driggers, J. M. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Hill, F. E. (Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, Pa., United States)