Newest innovation to marry black silicon and laser
technologies.
RED BANK, N.J., Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Incorporating
its proprietary advances in laser-processing technology, scientists
at Natcore Technology (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK) have
created an all-low-temperature, laser-processed solar cell. Their
latest device does not require temperatures above 350
degrees C for any process step.
This development sets the stage for a marriage between Natcore's
highly specialized laser processing and its black silicon
technology. The fruits of that all-low-temperature marriage would
include gains in efficiency and significantly lower production
costs.
The milestone was accomplished at Natcore's R&D Center in
Rochester, NY. This is one of the
first demonstrations of a low-temperature, laser-processed solar
cell by anyone. Further, unlike previous attempts, Natcore's
approach makes it uniquely suited to large-scale manufacturing,
especially of high-performance all-back contact cells.
Current silicon processing techniques involve temperatures of
850 degrees C (1,562 degrees F) or higher. But Natcore's
process does not entail temperatures above 350
degrees C for any step. 350 degrees C is a common
annealing temperature used in industry, whereas exposure to 850
degrees C and above, the temperature typically used for
conventional solar cells, requires specialized equipment. For
example, processing at the higher temperature is done in some form
of a diffusion furnace, the interior of which needs to be
fabricated from quartz or other very high-temperature compatible
materials like silicon carbide. Natcore's process eliminates that
diffusion furnace altogether.
An independent study had earlier shown that Natcore's black
silicon process should save 23.5% in manufacturing costs by
eliminating one furnace from the production process. Combining that
black silicon process with Natcore's highly specialized laser
processing will eliminate this second, final furnace, cutting costs
yet again.
There are other benefits from low-temperature processing as
well.
Eliminating exposures to elevated temperatures preserves the
"minority carrier lifetime" of a cell. Maintaining high minority
carrier lifetimes means that efficiencies comparable to the
efficiencies of cells made with more expensive computer-chip-grade
silicon can be achieved with lower-quality and lower-cost solar
grade silicon. That, coupled with eliminating the use of
high-temperature processing equipment, should enable these
efficiencies while also reducing the costs of fabrication.
As their process is refined, say Natcore scientists, a
laser-processed cell will significantly increase power output of
solar cells while further reducing manufacturing costs. In their
latest experiment, for example, the team has achieved an
open-circuit voltage greater than 0.6 V, which represents
meaningful progress toward their short-term goal of 0.65V. These
and other performance metrics from the first cells indicate that,
with further refinement, efficiencies equaling or exceeding today's
best commercial cells are achievable.
"Applying a black silicon etch is a very inexpensive
antireflective process," says Chuck
Provini, Natcore's president and CEO. "Laser
processing is also relatively low-cost, because it reduces energy
and chemical costs associated with the furnace that it replaces. By
combining two low-cost, low-temperature processes, Natcore is
effecting a paradigm change as to how solar cells are made. We
believe that our proprietary technology will be in great demand,
and we will move to license it to the right partner as soon as
possible."
The next steps in the development will be to add Natcore's black
silicon antireflection control technology to the front of the cell
and to move the front contacts to the back of the cell in what is
called an interdigitated contact pattern. Eliminating the
front contacts will allow an additional 3% to 4% more light to
enter the cell and increase its output by a comparable amount.
Natcore will have a unique and proprietary position with this
technology.
Statements herein other than purely historical factual
information, including statements relating to revenues or profits,
or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected sales, cash
flows, and capital expenditures constitute forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous
assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties
inherent in Natcore's business, including risks inherent in the
technology history. There can be no assurance that such
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact: Chuck
Provini
732-576-8800
info@NatcoreSolar.com
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SOURCE Natcore Technology
