Large area multicrystalline silicon solar cells in high volume production environment—history, status, new processes, technology transfer issues

Cast multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cell technology, accounted for nearly 41% of all the PV modules manufactured worldwide in 2000. Since 1995 the use of cast mc-Si as a substrate has increased every year and that increase is expected to accelerate in the coming years as the PV market grows further. This impressive growth has been enabled by several factors—wafer suppliers, improvements in casting technology, sawing technology and cell process technology. In this paper the enabling factors will be discussed. The new processes used to enhance the efficiency of the cast multicrystalline silicon solar cells and the criteria for technology transfer will also be discussed.