Crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell technology: meeting the challenge for utility power

The author discusses recent progress in US crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell technology for both one-sun and concentrating applications. The progress in crystalline silicon technology has manifested itself in improved efficiency and in lower costs of processing and production. Experience over the past eight years with large systems representative of utility-scale applications has been good. It is suggested that there now appear to be several choices within the crystalline silicon technology path that have excellent potential to meet the necessary cost for entry into the utility market. The status of the current research efforts and the direction of the US Department of Energy sponsored crystalline silicon research program are discussed.