Metallization on solar cells

Applying circuitry

When it comes to producing solar cells, the largest cost comes from putting metal electrodes on the cell. The electrodes have to make good contact with the silicon and conduct the current away with minimal voltage drop. They have to be as thin as possible, to minimize shading of sunlight. And they have to stick to the cell. A delicate and difficult process, to be sure. This project will investigate a new method for applying circuitry to solar cells to make the cells less expensive to manufacture and more energy-efficient. That means more affordable solar power and potentially less dependence on fossil fuels for the future.