Several technologies for silicon solar cell fabrication are reviewed. More specifically, the characteristics of a process line, based on the use of thick film technology, are discussed. The technology, using screen printing and heat treatments in a conveyor furnace, is attractive for junction formation, metallization and deposition of the antireflective coating. The process can be implemented on single crystalline, semicrystalline and thin film crystalline silicon films, deposited on cheap substrates. The add-on cost of this solar cell fabrication process is 2 to 2.5 $/W for a 270 kW/year production line and can be as low as 0.5 to 0.6 $/W for a 10 MW/year capacity fully automated cell factory.