Title :
Single Wafer Casting
Author :
Grenko, A. ; Jonczyk, R. ; Rand, J.
Author_Institution :
GE Energy, Newark, DE
Abstract :
Converting silicon to wafers by a process of individually casting wafers has great cost advantages over conventional ingot casting methods. The Molded Wafer process demonstrates good silicon utilization, low processing cost, and offers efficiencies approaching that of conventional cast multicrystalline wafers. The ability to alter the casting mold offers freedom in wafer shape and presents the means to incorporate features such as metallization through holes at no added cost. These benefits make single wafer casting an economically viable option in times of silicon shortages and highly competitive product pricing
Keywords :
casting; elemental semiconductors; ingots; metallisation; silicon; solar cells; Si; cast multicrystalline wafers; competitive product pricing; industrial process; ingot casting methods; metallization; molded wafer process; wafer casting; Casting; Costs; Inorganic materials; Manufacturing; Metallization; Organic materials; Photovoltaic cells; Power generation economics; Sheet materials; Silicon;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Conference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
1-4244-0017-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1-4244-0017-1
DOI :
10.1109/WCPEC.2006.279717
