Multifunctional PECVD layers - cost analysis of the X-pert approach

Multifunctional PECVD layers, which can be used as dopant source, surface passivation, anti-reflection coating, and isolation layer, can significantly simplify high-efficiency industrial solar cell production. A proof of concept for the production of Passivated Emitter and Rear Totally diffused (PERT) solar cells has recently been presented resulting in a peak efficiency of 18.3 %. In this work we want to enlighten the economical aspect of the extremely simple production of PERT cells, which will be called the X-PERT approach in the following. Based on detailed Cost of Ownership (COO) calculations, it will be shown that by the consequent use of the multifunctional PECVD layers it is possible to reduce the levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) by 0.6 ct/kWh. A possibility to further improve the X-PERT approach to a bifacial solar cell will even further simplify the process and drastically reduce the LCOE by 1.0 ct/kWh.