New ultra-thin solar cell could transform energy efficiency
Chinese researchers have introduced an innovative solar cell that could serve as an alternative to traditional photovoltaic panels. The newly developed thin-film cell boasts high efficiency while using less silicon than standard versions.
2:24 PM EST, November 13, 2024
A scientific team from Hangzhou Dianzi University created a monocrystalline cell that matches the efficiency of typical cells. According to information published in pv magazine, this cell is only 0.0008 inches thick, a significant advancement since it is eight times thinner than popular panels, which have a thickness of about 0.006 inches.
Can the new technique revolutionize photovoltaics?
Researchers employed a layer transfer technique instead of the traditional methods of cutting silicon blocks. This approach involves transferring a thin semiconductor material layer 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 supports 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 0.0008-inch monocrystalline wafer, onto which several passivation layers, such as aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxide, are applied using the PECVD technique.
What characterizes the new solution?
According to scientists, in the newly tested cell, the 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.
