Thin silicon solar cells fabricated on cost optimized float zone silicon

The monocrystalline PV-FZ/sup /spl trade// float zone silicon product is presented with emphasis on the bulk characteristics of the product. It is demonstrated that the effective bulk lifetime can be guaranteed in all points including the periphery of the PV-FZ/sup /spl trade// ingot. A back contacted thin film solar cell design is presented and a processing roadmap for high efficiency solar cells is described.