Development of a 16.8% Efficient 18-μm Silicon Solar Cell on Steel
Open Access
- 19 August 2014
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics
- Vol. 4 (6), 1397-1404
- https://doi.org/10.1109/jphotov.2014.2344769
Abstract
Thin crystalline silicon solar cells have the potential to achieve high efficiency due to the potential for increased voltage. Thin silicon wafers are fragile; therefore, means of support must be provided. This paper reports the design, development, and analysis of an 18-μm crystalline silicon solar cell electrically integrated with a steel alloy substrate. This ultrathin silicon is epitaxially grown on porous silicon and then transferred onto the steel substrate. This method allows the independent processing of each surface. The steel substrate enables robust handling and provides a conductive back plane. Three groups of cells with planar and textured structures are compared; significant improvements in J sc , V oc , and fill factor (FF) are achieved. The best cell shows an efficiency of 16.8% with an open-circuit voltage of 632 mV and a short-circuit current density of 34.5 mA/cm 2 .Keywords
Funding Information
- United States Department of Energy SunShot Incubator Program
- Australian Government
- Australian Renewable Energy Agency
- China Scholarship Council
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