What are crystalline silicon solar cells?

Crystalline silicon solar cells are today’s main photovoltaic technology, enabling the production of electricity with minimal carbon emissions and at an unprecedented low cost. This Review discusses the recent evolution of this technology, the present status of research and industrial development, and the near-future perspectives.

What is a crystalline silicon PV cell?

Crystalline silicon cell fabrication: Crystalline silicon PV cells are fabricated from the so-called “semiconductor silicon” that is prepared from metallurgical silicon by decomposition of SiHCl 3 or SiH 4 in purity higher than 99.9999%.

Why is crystalline silicon used in PV panels?

Crystalline silicon modules have traditionally dominated the PV panels production market (over 80% of market share) because it was the first technology to be installed at the beginning of the 1990s and, hence, it is now the most present in EoL volumes to be treated.

What is the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells?

Masuko, K. et al. Achievement of more than 25% conversion efficiency with crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cell. IEEE J. Photovolt. 4, 1433–1435 (2014). Boccard, M. & Holman, Z. C. Amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers for crystalline-silicon-based heterojunction solar cells. J. Appl. Phys. 118, 065704 (2015).

How much does a crystalline silicon module cost?

Today’s typical wholesale price for mainstream crystalline silicon modules is in the range US$0.17–0.25 W −1 (ref. 10), depending on the type and efficiency, which converts to a staggering low US$35–50 m −2. Data until 2021 adapted with permission from ref. 10, Fraunhofer ISE.

Is crystalline silicon the future of solar technology?

Except for niche applications (which still constitute a lot of opportunities), the status of crystalline silicon shows that a solar technology needs to go over 22% module efficiency at a cost below US$0.2 W −1 within the next 5 years to be competitive on the mass market.