Thick emitters for laboratory silicon solar cells and the requirements for industrial applications

Homogeneous emitter solar cells were optimized based on a one-dimensional theoretical model with analytical solutions. A complete structure n/sup +/pp/sup +/ was optimized considering the shadowing factor F/sub m/=10%, typical for a large scale fabrication process. A comparison between the optimum output electrical parameters obtained for F/sub m/=3% and 10% has been made. A small sensitivity of the moderately thick emitters to the surface conditions was found. Therefore, a study of the requirements of this technology for industrial applications is clearly necessary.