Highly Conformal Ni Micromesh as a Current Collecting Front Electrode for Reduced Cost Si Solar Cell

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells are vital for renewable energy due to high efficiency and longevity.
• The cost-effective metallization of textured c-Si solar cell surfaces remains a challenge.
• Current screen printing methods for front electrodes can be costly and inefficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an alternative, cost-effective front electrode for c-Si solar cells.
• To investigate a novel crackle templating method for metal wire network fabrication.
• To enhance solar cell performance by optimizing front electrode design.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 1D metal wire network using a solution-based crackle templating technique.
• Application of the metal wire network as a front electrode on conventional Si wafers.
• Electroless deposition of a nickel (Ni) wire network on corrugated solar cells.
• Characterization using laser beam induced current (LBIC) mapping.

Main Results:

• Successful conformal patterning of a highly interconnected 1D metal wire network over large textured surfaces.
• Uniform photocurrent collection demonstrated by LBIC mapping, indicating no shadow losses.
• A significant increase in short-circuit current from 20.53 mA/cm² to 33.28 mA/cm² with the Ni wire network.
• A 20% improvement in solar cell efficiency compared to conventional screen-printed electrodes.
• Estimated manufacturing cost reduction by at least two orders of magnitude.

Conclusions:

• The crackle templating method offers an innovative and scalable approach for front electrode fabrication.
• The 1D metal wire network electrode enhances c-Si solar cell efficiency and reduces costs.
• This technology presents a promising pathway for more affordable and efficient solar energy conversion.