Solar-cell producer validates Natcore AR coating process

Several silicon wafers with antireflective coatings prepared by Natcore’s researchers at Ohio State University were supplied to a Chinese government-selected solar-cell manufacturer for cell finishing and testing.

The wafers were coated using Natcore’s liquid phase deposition (LPD) technology. Originally developed at Rice University and now licensed by Natcore Technology, the process has the advantage that the anti-reflective (AR) layer of a solar cell can be produced in a mild chemical bath.

Current thermal oxide technology used for the same purpose requires relatively thick silicon wafers because of the high heat involved and thinner wafers often warp in this harsh environment.

The validating company - Hunan TLNZ Solar Technology - first analysed the composition and quality of the Natcore-supplied films, then added metal front and back contacts to the cells and tested their efficiency.

Cell efficiencies as high as 15 per cent were measured using actual production solar cells.

The results demonstrated that Natcore’s LPD AR coating technology is compatible with standard silicon solar-cell production methods and can be integrated into existing solar-cell manufacturing facilities.