Solar cell process development in the european integrated project crystalclear

CrystalClear is a large integrated project funded by the European Commission that aims to drastically reduce the cost of crystalline Si PV modules, down to 1 Euro/Wp. Among the different subprojects, the one dealing with the development of advanced solar cells is relatively large (with 11 partners out of the 15 Crystal Clear partners taking part) and has a crucial role. The goal of the subproject is to develop cell design concepts and manufacturing processes that would enable a reduction in the order of 40% of the cell processing costs per Wp. In this paper, we give an overview of all the development work that has taken place in the CrystalClear solar cells subproject so far. World class results have been achieved, particularly on high efficiency cells on Si ribbons, and on industrial-type solar cells on very thin (120 (j.m thick) substrates

Preface/Editorial to the Proceedings of Inorganic and Nanostructured Photovoltaics (E-MRS 2009 Symposium B)

The photovoltaics industry is growing at a remarkable rate, more than 35% per year for the past 8 years. This reflects both the recent enlightened favourable rebates and tariff policies in several European countries and Japan but also the growing awareness of energy security and greenhouse abatement imperatives. This rapid growth is mirrored by an intense research effort which critically depends on materials research, with several complex ternary, quarternary inorganic materials being used and a raft of new organic and molecular materials as well as a growing importance of quantum confined nanostructures, which allow extra degrees of freedom in tailoring materials properties