Model Based Continuous Improvement of Industrial p-type PERC Technology Beyond 21% Efficiency

In this work, we present our progress in the industrial p-type PERC technology [1, 2]. Based on device simulations we continuously develop an efficiency roadmap for a steady improvement of our PERC (passivated emitter and rear cell) process. Following this simulation based approach, we effectively improve the front side metallization and the emitter characteristics. Currently, our best prototype process has reached a conversion efficiency well over 21% which enables the manufacturing of a 60-cell based module with a power of 310W. Our best cell so far has a conversion efficiency of 21.5% which has been confirmed by the calibration laboratory of Fraunhofer ISE. This is to our knowledge the highest efficiency reported for industrial-size silicon solar cells with screen-printed metal front and rear contacts.