Lowest Cost Silicon Photovoltaics

FerroPem will optimize its high quality UMG feedstock process, focusing on increasing material yield by internal recycling of all Si by-products, and reduction of process consumable costs. SINTEF will adapt a semi-continuous casting method to production of High-Performance multicrystalline silicon (HPmc-Si) ingots, implement reusable Si3N4 crucibles (from Steuler Solar Technology) and electromagnetic melt stirrer (developed by WUT) into the process, which will increase material performance (revenue/kg) and double throughput, while at the same time reduce costs. THM will further improve its fixed diamond wire sawing technique, reducing wire consumption and increasing throughput. Moreover, wafer thickness reduction and kerf reduction and reuse will contribute to further cost optimization. ISC Konstanz will further develop its PELICAN concept, by reducing Ag-metallization costs by leaving out the busbars, but also towards bifacial application, with an improved efficiency of over 20% while using industrial solar cell processing, that BSS will demonstrate. Apollon Solar will apply NICE module technology using soldering-free electrical series connection of solar cells and EVA-free lamination. Being a glass-glass technology it enables bifacial operation, long lifetimes and easy recycling. RWTH will expand its unique bifacial module simulation tool towards computing annual energy yield of a solar power plant based on bifacial technology. BCC and BNWE will carry out environmental assessment (Life Cycle Analysis) and cost assessment (Levelized Cost Of Electricity, LCOE) for the integrated value chain and of the individual solutions.