Manufacturing metrology for c-Si module reliability and durability Part II: Cell manufacturing

Abstract

This article is the second article in a three-part series dedicated to reviewing each process step in crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing process: feedstock and wafering, cell fabrication, and module manufacturing. The goal of these papers is to identify relevant metrology techniques that can be utilized to improve the quality and durability of the final product. The focus of this article is on the cell fabrication process. In this review, the fabrication of c-Si PV cells is divided into four steps: (1) wet chemical processes; (2) emitter formation; (3) anti-reflection coating (ARC) and passivation deposition; and (4) metallization. Each of these processing steps can impact the final reliability and durability of PV modules deployed in the field, and here the failure modes and degradation mechanisms induced during cell manufacturing are explored. Additionally, a literature review of relevant measurement techniques aimed at reducing or eliminating the probability of such failures occurring is presented along with an assessment of potential gaps wherein the PV community could benefit from new research and demonstration efforts.

Advances in solar photovoltaics: Technology review and patent trends

“…building integrated photovoltaic systems and thermal arrangement [56]), electronic charge controllers (e.g. maximum power tracking systems [57]), battery storage units [58], testing and monitoring methods [59,60], and solar-powered portable devices.…”

Multi‐attribute analysis of micro‐defect detection techniques suitable for automated production line of solar wafers and cells

“…Several stress testing methods are adopted in the literature, such as single point bending, two‐point bending, twisting etc. [39, 49, 114]. Researchers have used the mechanical stress test to validate the quality of manufactured silicon wafers.…”

Feasibilities for silicon recovery from solar cells waste by treatment with nitric acid

“…On the rear side, there is the full area aluminum contact and p+ doped region called back surface field (BSF). The function of the front and rear metallization is to conduct charge carriers from the solar cell into the cell interconnects (ribbons) [4].…”