Introduction: New Technologies & Materials

Improving PV efficiency – looking through new eyes

In PV R&D, we are permanently looking for advanced and novel concepts that can speed up the path to higher efficiencies – concepts that will allow us to reach grid parity faster than if we follow the long and stable path of evolutionary improvement of existing technologies. An overwhelming concern for these new concepts is of course cost, because unlike in most semiconductor technologies, the cost of a new process or concept will determine its feasibility.

The papers in this chapter look at this challenge, each from a unique perspective. The first paper is by M. Lundstrom and M. Alam (Purdue University) and R. Havemann (Semiconductor Research Corporation). They discuss the possibilities of computer modeling and simulation to make advances in PV. According to the authors, modeling and simulation can play an important role by helping to prioritize research/development directions, exploring system-level implications for process modifications, evaluating design improvements and assisting in interpretation of experiments. It can also help by highlighting common technology-agnostic challenges and encouraging integrated, industrywide responses.

The second paper is by Benedikt Bläsi and his colleagues from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. They introduce the use of interference lithography and nanoimprint processes as technologies to fabricate micro- and nanostructured surfaces on large-area solar cells with a high throughput. As an example, they discuss high-efficiency honeycomb textures on multicrystalline silicon solar cells.

FPV6_Intro_NTM.pdf