A collaboration between the Belgian research institute IMEC and Dutch electroplating equipment supplier Meco has led to the development of a new large-area (156 x 156 mm²) i-PERC-type solar cell, designed for both solar energy generation and industrial applications. This breakthrough incorporates advanced nickel/copper front contact plating technology, marking a significant step forward in photovoltaic efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The performance of the nickel/copper plated cells was validated by Fraunhofer ISE CalLab, where they achieved an average efficiency of 20.5% and a peak efficiency of 20.7% on PZ-CZ-Si material. "These results demonstrate a substantial improvement over conventional screen-printed PERC cells," said Jozef Szlufcik, Director of IMEC’s crystalline silicon photovoltaics division. "Moreover, our cost of ownership analysis shows a clear financial advantage, proving that this technology can enhance efficiency while lowering production costs."
The cell fabrication took place in IMEC's solar cell pilot line, utilizing Meco's in-line plating tool to deposit the nickel/copper front contacts. The metallization process involved several key steps: UV laser ablation, sequential in-line plating of the metal layers, and contact annealing. This integrated approach ensures high-quality, uniform electrode formation, which is essential for maximizing cell performance.
With the growing demand for more efficient and cost-effective solar solutions, this nickel/copper plating technology presents a promising pathway for the future of PV manufacturing. It not only supports the transition to higher-efficiency solar cells but also aligns with industry goals of reducing reliance on traditional silver-based metallization processes. As the technology matures, it could play a crucial role in driving down the levelized cost of solar energy and accelerating global adoption of renewable power systems.
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