New breakthrough in solar tech: Ultrathin cells boost efficiency
Chinese researchers have unveiled an innovative solar cell that could replace traditional photovoltaic panels. The newly developed thin-film cell boasts high efficiency and uses less silicon than standard models.
13 November 2024 14:19
A scientific team from Hangzhou Dianzi University created a monocrystalline cell that rivals the efficiency of typical cells. According to information published in pv magazine, this cell is only 0.02 millimetres thick, which is a significant advancement as it is eight times thinner than popular panels with a thickness of about 0.15 millimetres.
Can the new technique revolutionise photovoltaics?
Researchers employed a layer transfer technique instead of traditional methods of cutting silicon blocks. This method entails transferring a thin layer of semiconductor material from the original substrate to the target location.
This technology uses hydrofluoric acid to create a porous texture on a thick silicon wafer. This substrate then facilitates the growth of the monocrystalline silicon layer. Once this process is completed, the thin layer is separated from the porous silicon substrate.
The result is a 0.02-millimetre monocrystalline wafer, upon which numerous passivation layers, such as aluminium oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxide, are applied using the PECVD technique.
What characterises the new solution?
According to scientists, the newly tested cell's current density increased from 34.3 mA/cm2 to 38.2 mA/cm2. Additionally, the open-circuit voltage increased from 632 mV to 684 mV.
Thanks to these modifications, the fill factor reached 80.8 percent, compared to 76.2 percent in standard cells. Ultimately, the cell's efficiency significantly increased from 16.5 percent to 21.1 percent.
