Introduction. Heterojunction silicon solar cells represent one of the most promising directions for the development of solar photovoltaics. This is due to both their high power conversion efficiency and reasonable likelihood for further growth in performance, as well as good commercial potential of this technology, which relies on a transition from conventional diffusion-based processes to thin film deposition. Aim. The paper describes results of optimization and fabrication of heterojunction silicon solar cells using the AK-1000 inline tool, adapted for processing of 6-inch wafers. Materials and methods. In the manufacturing of solar cells, crystalline silicon wafers were subjected to wet chemical processes, and then electron, hole, and intrinsic types of conductivity of the layers based on amorphous silicon were deposited by plasma-chemical deposition. Precipitation of oxide transparent conductive layers was carried out by magnetron sputtering. To optimize the processes of obtaining solar cells, measurements of the reflection coefficient, of lifetime of minority carriers, and of current-voltage characteristics were used. Results. As a result of the work, heterojunction solar cells were obtained in a laboratory in Kazakhstan with an efficiency of 20% without using of traditional diffusion processes for solar cells manufacturing. Conclusions. The output parameters associated with light conversion efficiency demonstrate the possibility of further optimization of the parameters affecting the performance of heterojunction solar cells.
In this review article, the state of the art of the complete processing chain in the production of solar photo-electric modules from raw materials (quartzites, quartz sand) is detailed. In particular, the silicon and silane production technologies of the Institute of Physics and Technology of Almaty, Kazakhstan, can become part of an expansive technologies chain. Such integration could present a number of benefits in comparison with the analogs, including less environmental pressure and increased safety. The combination of innovative production technologies of highly effective solar cells and modules with competitive production technologies of solar-grade silicon and silane constitutes a basis for the creation of an industrial cluster in the field of silicon solar photo energy with a complete vertically integrated production cycle.
This silicon purification research work has two stages and results will be provided in two articles due to the large scope of work. This paper provides the results of the first stage, concerning the metallurgical silicon purification. Silicon was purified by a combined method consisting of slag refining with new slag composition and acid leaching. In the first phase, the metallurgical grade silicon produced by the classical carbothermic reduction method was investigated. In the second phase, the metallurgical purification by slag refining was completed using slags of various new compositions. The purified silicon samples obtained after the melting processes were analyzed for concentrations of impurities. Finally, acid leaching treatment of the obtained silicon was done, followed by elemental analysis of purified silicon. According to our experience we can determine that obtained silicon purity is adequate for further stages of planned study.
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