Silicon-Film{trademark} Solar Cells by a Flexible Manufacturing System: PVMaT Phase II Annual Report, 1 February 1999 - 31 January 2000

Culik, J.S. ; Rand, J.A. ; Bower, J.R. ; Bisaillon, J.C. ; Cummings, J.R. ; Allison, K.W. ; Goncharovsky, I. ; Jonczyk, R. ; Ressler, S.D. ; Sims, P.E. ; Hall, R.B. ; Barnett, A.M. (AstroPower, Inc. ; Newark, Delaware)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Large-Area Modules;    14 Solar Energy;    Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology;    In-Line Wet Processing;    Pvmat;   

DOI  :  10.2172/763411
RP-ID  :  NREL/SR-520-28547
RP-ID  :  AC36-99GO10337
RP-ID  :  763411

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

AstroPower is developing a manufacturing process for Silicon-Film solar cell production under an NREL-administered Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) cost-share program. This document reports on results from the second phase of a three-phase effort. Progress is reported on the development of new procedures and equipment for in-line wet chemical processes, sheet fabrication, solar cell processing, and module assembly. Future concepts and goals for the Silicon-Film process are also discussed. A major technical goal of this effort is the elimination of batch production processes in AstroPower's solar cell process. New processes are being developed that can accommodate large-area Silicon-Film planks in an in-line, continuous manner. During Phase II of this program, an in-line chemical etching system for removing diffusion oxides was specified, procured, and installed. Operation of this system during Phase III of this program is expected to validate the in-line approach and will provide valuable information for use in the design of a second, and more challenging, in-line etch system. Significant progress was made during this reporting period in the development of new screenprinting ink formulations for both the front and back metallization of Silicon-Film solar cells. Cost reductions and efficiency improvements were achieved as a result of these efforts. Progress was made in the design of a new Silicon-Film plank machine, as well as in improved processes to fabricate this material into cost-effective and efficient solar cells. Additionally, a new large-area module concept was developed and prototyped during this phase of the PVMaT program.