One sun crystalline silicon materials research: current direction and future needs [solar cells]

The current Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI)/Sandia National Laboratories-sponsored materials research program emphasizes studies on basic mechanisms associated with gettering, point defect interactions and diffusion high-temperature mechanical properties of silicon, and hydrogen passivation. The important silicon material issues and the problems which remain as the primary impediments to meeting the cost goals of competitive photovoltaic energy are discussed. A need to focus on such selected issues is important in view of the limited funds available for photovoltaic research. Some future research needs are identified