The reformation of Cz Si photovoltaics

Abstract

New developments in all areas of Czochralski (Cz) silicon photovoltaic (PV) technology, from Si feedstock costs, to Cz crystal growth, to the introduction of wire saw technology, to novel cell designs and processing provide the basis for Cz Si achieving module costs in the $2/Wp range. This paper describes the re-formation of Cz manufacturing at Siemens Solar to achieve these lower costs, ranging from process improvements and equipment upgrades to changes in cell and module design. Continued efforts, building upon the improvements introduced in PVMat Phase 2A, will produce improved manufacturing with higher throughputs and yields at lower costs.