Laser applications in crystalline silicon solar cell production - art. no. 619717

As solar cell production grows with record rates of approximately 30-40% per year for the last 5 years the market starts to awake interest at various industries. Especially the laser technology seems to gain influence on the production sequence as more sophisticated solar cell concepts like laser-fired contacts (LFC), metal- / emitter-wrap through cells (MWT/EWT) or back junction solar cells are about to be industrially applicable. This paper gives a short introduction over the current situation of the solar cell market and the state of the art technology. Furthermore future cell concepts are explained briefly, where the main focus is set on the chances for laser technology to be implemented. Additionally the specific demands of the solar cell production are mentioned and all potentially possible laser processes rated with respect to their potential of being transferred into industry.