15-PERCENT-EFFICIENT MULTICRYSTALLINE-SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES - CELL PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION

A relatively simple single-photomask process was used to produce high- efficiency large-area solar cells on commercially available heat-excha nger-method (HEM) multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si). Large-area cell ef ficiencies up to 16.4% were achieved before lamination. These cells we re built into two prototype one-sun modules whose performance has set a new standard for mc-Si photovoltaic modules (15% at standard reporti ng conditions). These results demonstrate that significant performance gains can be achieved in commercial mc-Si modules with currently avai lable substrates through improved processing. Continued evolutionary d evelopments in substrate and cell manufacturing promise to maintain, a nd likely improve mc-Si's PV market position.