Correlation of spatially resolved lifetime measurements with overall solar cell parameters

Lifetime mappings are common tools for assessing the quality of mc-silicon for solar cell production. Nevertheless it is a difficult problem to directly relate lifetime mappings to overall solar cell parameters. This paper intends to show that this correlation is possible quantitatively. We have correlated actual low-level injection lifetimes obtained by carrier density imaging (CDI) measurements with overall cell parameters of solar cells processed on adjacent wafers. The 2D lifetime-structure is taken account for by appropriate weighing functions that include the whole information given in the frequency distribution of bulk lifetimes. Thus a one dimensional cell model (PC1D) can be applied. Good general agreement between predicted and measured cell parameters has been achieved, deviations are discussed. Further insight into the gettering behavior of block-east and Bridgman-grown mc-silicon was attained.