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Reactive Ion Etching for Randomly Distributed Texturing of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/800948· OSTI ID:800948

The quality of low-cost multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) has improved to the point that it forms approximately 50% of the worldwide photovoltaic (PV) power production. The performance of commercial mc-Si solar cells still lags behind c-Si due in part to the inability to texture it effectively and inexpensively. Surface texturing of mc-Si has been an active field of research. Several techniques including anodic etching [1], wet acidic etching [2], lithographic patterning [3], and mechanical texturing [4] have been investigated with varying degrees of success. To date, a cost-effective technique has not emerged.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (US); Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
800948
Report Number(s):
SAND2002-1086
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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