Dendritic web silicon photovoltaic cell research

Technical Report · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6904462· OSTI ID:6904462

Easoz, J A; Rosey, R; Campbell, R B; Rupnik, R; Sprecace, R P; Piotrowski, P A ^[1]; McHugh, J P; Seidensticker, R G ^[2]

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1. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Large, PA (USA). Advanced Energy Systems Div.
2. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Science and Technology Center

This report summarizes the evaluation of a checkpoint demonstration of the throughout capability of the silicon dendritic web growth process as of January 1989. The demonstrated throughput of about 20,000 sq.cm/furnace/week was less than desired for a commercial production facility, however the results clearly indicated that the desired 35,000 sq.cm/furnace/week would be reached with continuous melt replenishment during growth. Improvements in seeding and increase in crystal length would increase the throughput even more. Solar cells subsequently fabricated on the material grown during the demonstration had average efficiency levels (14%) equivalent to cells fabricated on web produced prior to the demonstration run. Finally, a business analysis based on the present results gave estimated photovoltaic module costs in agreement with potential commercial viability. 5 figs., 8 tabs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Westinghouse Electric Corp., Large, PA (USA). Advanced Energy Systems Div.; Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Science and Technology Center
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/CE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6904462
• Report Number(s): SAND-89-7044; ON: DE90011786
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360601* -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
COMMERCIALIZATION
CONTROL
COST
CRYSTAL GROWTH METHODS
CRYSTALS
DENDRITIC WEB GROWTH METHOD
DIMENSIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FURNACES
OPTIMIZATION
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PROCESS CONTROL
QUALITY CONTROL
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
VARIATIONS