Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol.52, No.3, 285-292, 1998
A simple technology to improve crystalline-silicon solar cell efficiency
The manufacturing of high-efficiency crystalline-silicon (c-Si) solar cells involves advanced technologies and sophisticated equipment not available in third-world country laboratories. This paper shows that conversion efficiencies in the 15-16% range can be achieved with a simple laboratory process. The main steps, which only require the use of analytic grade chemicals, are: (a) diffusion of a phosphorus-doped emitter layer on a textured surface; (b) deposition of narrow top metal contacts using a photolithography process; (c) Al alloyed back surface field, and (d) a chemically sprayed tin dioxide antireflective coating.