Towards 20% efficient silicon solar cells manufactured at 60 MWp per annum

The LGBG technology for high efficiency cells has grown in ten years from pilot line to 60 MWp per annum manufacturing capacity. Many improvements to the manufacturing process have been achieved in labour productivity through automation, increased laser grooving speeds and the introduction of in-line processes. Progress has been made in increasing the solar cell efficiency on monocrystalline silicon solar cells from a base line of 16.2% in present production to 17% in the new facility. Pilot line cells have demonstrated 18.3% efficiency and modelling has shown 20% cells are achievable in production. A small area cell with LGBG contacts has been made with an efficiency of 20%.