Multiple silicon ribbon growth by EFG

The background and progress to date of EFG ribbon growth for solar cell applications are briefly reviewed. The design and operation of a multiple ribbon-per-operator manufacturing system are then described. Results are presented of cost studies of this system at three stages of development. In the latter stage, believed to be attainable by 1986, conversion costs for polycrystalline silicon into wafers are attained which are consistent with manufacture of photovoltaic systems at $0.50 per peak watt. Principal technological problems in the ribbon growth process are discussed.