An opening for solar cells

Abstract

Collaborating researchers from Taiwan and the US have developed a laser opening technique for selective emitter (SE) formation of multi-crystalline Si solar cells on 6x6 inch wafers, and have achieved up to nearly a 1% absolute increase in efficiency. This research forms part of an initiative driven by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan. Professor Jack (Jyh-Jier) Ho, one of the collaborators in this work from the National Taiwan Ocean University, explained their motivations: “ITRI has three mission statements: one, to expedite the development of new industrial technology; two, to aid in the process of upgrading industrial technology techniques; and three, to establish future industrial technology. In last few years, we have recognised the necessity for eco-sustainable industry development and global environmental protection, and therefore have devoted more resources to developing eco-friendly and sustainable energy technologies. We also aim to break down research bottlenecks and develop cutting-edge technology that would encourage domestic suppliers to invest in emerging energy solutions and environmental protection actions.”