Efficiency of Laser-Shaped Photovoltaic Cells

Ewa Korzeniewska,Klemen Sredenšek,Mariusz Tomczyk,Bojan Štumberger,Łukasz Pietrzak,Miralem Hadžiselimović,Sebastijan Seme

doi:10.3390/en13184747

Ewa Korzeniewska, Klemen Sredenšek + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184747

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Sep 11, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Lodz University of Technology, University of Maribor

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of laser shaping of the photovoltaic cell based on its efficiency. The authors described both process of the monocrystalline photovoltaic cell manufacturing, its efficiency, and the possibilities of usage in architecture and the process of creating the photovoltaic cells of unconventional shapes by using laser technology. A method for cutting photovoltaic cells using a fiber laser was presented as well as the parameters of the laser cutting process. The described method allows cutting the massively produced silicon cells according to the predetermined trajectory. Using the proposed process parameters, satisfactory cutting edge quality, and negligible impact of the laser beam on changes in the structure of the photovoltaic cell active layers were achieved. In each cycle of structure cutting, only a small part of the material is removed (from 1 to 2 μm), and depending on the thickness, the process is repeated from 50 to 300 times. It has been shown that the efficiency of the modified cells depends on the ratio of their surface area to the laser cutting line.

Highlights

The photovoltaic energy industry is currently one of the fastest growing branches of world economies
The installed photovoltaic systems take up a lot of space
Photovoltaic cells have been cut using a stream of water using a waterjet device

Summary

Introduction

The photovoltaic energy industry is currently one of the fastest growing branches of world economies. The production of photovoltaic cells is increasing exponentially. The observed increase in the production of energy from photovoltaic panels is the result of technological advances in the field of modern materials and technology, and financial outlays for research and programs dedicated to photovoltaics in many countries [1,2,3]. It is foreseen that in 2050 the world largest participation of global electricity generation will be based on solar energy [1]. The installed photovoltaic systems take up a lot of space. Especially in cities, photovoltaic (PV) panels are placed on the roofs of buildings or car parks, where they do work as sources of electricity, and play the role of urban infrastructure components [6,7]. Architects try to use the emerging technical structure to create architecturally interesting artistic installations (Figure 1)

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