What is a crystalline silicon PV cell?

The crystalline silicon PV cell is one of many silicon-based semiconductor devices. The PV cell is essentially a diode with a semiconductor structure (Figure 1), and in the early years of solar cell production, many technologies for crystalline silicon cells were proposed on the basis of silicon semiconductor devices.

How can crystalline silicon solar cells be produced?

Production technologies such as silver-paste screen printing and firing for contact formation are therefore needed to lower the cost and increase the volume of production for crystalline silicon solar cells.

What industries are related to crystalline silicon solar cell and module production?

There are generally three industries related to crystalline silicon solar cell and module production: metallurgical and chemical plants for raw material silicon production, monocrystalline and polycrystalline ingot fabrication and wafer fabrication by multi-wire saw, and solar cell and module production.

Is a silicon PV cell a viable candidate for large-volume production?

World annual PV cell production of 100 GW p is expected to be achieved by around 2020, and the silicon PV cell is the most viable candidate to meet this demand from the point of view of suitability for large-volume production. The crystalline silicon PV cell is one of many silicon-based semiconductor devices.

Will other PV technologies compete with silicon on the mass market?

To conclude, we discuss what it will take for other PV technologies to compete with silicon on the mass market. Crystalline silicon solar cells are today’s main photovoltaic technology, enabling the production of electricity with minimal carbon emissions and at an unprecedented low cost.

What is the difference between crystalline silicon and thin-film solar cells?

The value chain for crystalline silicon solar cells and modules is longer than that for thin-film solar cells.