Silicon-Film{trademark} Solar Cells by a Flexible Manufacturing System: PVMaT Phase II Annual Report, 1 February 1999 - 31 January 2000
- AstroPower, Inc.
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.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 763411
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR-520-28547; TRN: AH200033%%216
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 24 Aug 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Silicon-film{trademark} solar cells by a flexible manufacturing system
Continuous, automated manufacturing of string ribbon Si PV modules. PVMaT Phase 5A2 Subcontract: First Annual Report, 21 May 1998--20 May 1999