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Developments in Crystalline Silicon-based Photovoltaic Product Architecture and Manufacturing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Juris Kalejs
Juris Kalejs*
Affiliation:
jpkalejs1@aol.com
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Abstract

Solar electric (Photovoltaic) crystalline silicon (c-Si) product design and diversity has changed very little over three decades of development since the inception of the photovoltaic industry. The dominant module product comprising over 90% of cumulative installations, which exceed 15 GW worldwide, employs a ubiquitous planar laminate configuration. This paper reviews the history of development of this commodity product, and examines the scientific underpinnings of the materials base of the c-Si module platform, which has provided confidence for manufacturers to lengthen product performance warranties to the current 25 year standard. Recent trends in c-Si module design, materials and manufacturing methods will also be discussed.

Keywords

photovoltaicSicrystalline
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1210: Symposium Q – Photovoltaic Materials and Manufacturing Issues II , 2009 , 1210-Q01-05
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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References

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