Solarex crystalline PVMaT program

Solarex has begun a process and product development program under the NREL sponsored Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Program. The two major objectives of this program are to reduce the manufacturing cost for polycrystalline silicon PV modules to less than $1.20/watt and to increase the manufacturing capacity by a factor of three. To meet these objectives Solarex has proposed: (1) to increase the polycrystalline wafer size to 15 cm by 15 cm; (2) to use wire saws to cut wafers on 400 μm centers; (3) to increase cell efficiencies to 15%; (4) to improve the automated assembly of modules; (5) to develop a frameless module with a low cost backsheet and electrical termination system; and (6) to develop the equipment necessary for automated handling of thin 15 cm by 15 cm wafers and cells. This paper discusses the first year program efforts in the first five technical areas