Polycrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology Development and Commercialization

This paper will report on the BP solar/solarex efforts on polycrystalline silicon PV modules under the NREL/DOE PV manufacturing technology program. BP solar (previously solarex) has been working on polycrystalline silicon PV technology under the NREL sponsored photovoltaic manufacturing technology program since 1993. This paper will review some of the major achievements of these programs. Results from a recently completed contract will be presented with emphasis on the development of processes and handling procedures for ultra-thin silicon wafers and cells. Finally the paper will conclude with a discussion of the future work planned in the present program