Sliver/spl reg/ solar cells

A new technique has been invented and developed at the ANU for the manufacture of thin (<60 /spl mu/m) highly efficient single crystalline solar cells. Novel methods of encapsulating these Sliver/spl reg/ solar cells have also been devised. Narrow grooves are formed through a 1-2 mm thick wafer. Device processing (diffusion, oxidation, deposition) is performed on the wafer, so that each of the narrow strips becomes a solar cell. The strips are then detached from the wafer and laid on their sides, which greatly increases the surface area of solar cell that can be obtained from the wafer. Some of the techniques that have been developed for cell texturing and groove formation are described.