Silicon back contact solar cell configuration: A pathway towards higher efficiency

M.K. Mat Desa, S. Sapeai, A.W. Azhari, K. Sopian, M.Y. Sulaiman, N. Amin and S.H. Zaidi

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2016, vol. 60, issue C, 1516-1532

Abstract: The back-contact crystalline silicon solar cell represents an advanced configuration in which inter-digitated positive and negative contacts are placed on the rear surface. Highest conversion efficiency, elimination of shading losses, co-planarity of cell interconnections, and uniform black appearance, represent some of the most significant features of this type of solar cell. However, the manufacturing process complexity leads to significantly higher production cost making it difficult to compete with conventional mono and poly crystalline Si-based Photovoltaics industry. Over the years, an increasing number of researchers have reported on methods and processes aimed at reduction in manufacturing cost. This review paper attempt an extensive review of several categories of back-contact silicon solar cells, relevant design innovations, specific cost advantages especially in terms of using lower lifetime materials, their efficiency advantages in terms of geometry and wafer type, and their manufacturing technologies. In addition, available simulation tools for numerical investigation on back-contact structures and advanced device concepts have also presented in order to better understand underlying physical considerations in terms of passivation, both surface and volume, and minority carrier lifetime.

Keywords: Silicon solar cells; Screen-printed solar cells; Nanostructures; Emitter wrap-through; Metal-warp through; Laser drilling; Interdigitated back-contact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.004

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