Innovative production technologies for solar cells - SOLPRO

A joint project of suppliers from solar cell industry, research institutes and energy utilities has been formed: SOLPRO. The primary objective of this project has been cost reduction of solar cells by improving state of the art and implementing new production technologies. This objective has been approached in several steps: definition and technical and economical evaluation of a reference, state-of-the-art production scenario for silicon solar cells; identification, technical and economical evaluation of short-term improvements; technology innovations on a mid- to long-term time scale; definition of R&D projects for improvements or substitution technologies with high potential and feasibility. A detailed cost analysis has been carried out in order to correctly assess the economical impact of the individual steps on the total production costs. Over 70 measures for improvements and innovations have been evaluated yielding two patent applications and four R&D projects. A cost reduction potential of 23% - not including additional value, due to reduced module costs - has been determined for a proposed innovative process sequence. Inspired by the successful co-operation the majority of partners have formed a continuation together with manufacturer of wafer, solar cells and modules: the 'SOLPRO Expert Circle'.