A new research program to bring Black Silicon antireflective layer process and materials to commercialization has been signed between Natcore Technology and material inventor, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with funding of US$150,000.
The Cooperative Research & Development Agreement with NREL is intended to achieve solar cell processing costs for adding the black silicon layer by as much as 3%, while improving overall module energy output from 3% to 10%, unaided by tracker technology. The CRADA is funded for a year, though could be extended.
Try Premium for just $1
- Full premium access for the first month at only $1
- Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
- Cancel anytime during the trial period
Premium Benefits
- Expert industry analysis and interviews
- Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
- Exclusive event discounts
Or get the full Premium subscription right away
Or continue reading this article for free
“Our technology will create a new American industry,” says Natcore president and CEO Chuck Provini. “We've been trying for two years to get financial support from the Department of Energy. This is a meaningful first step.”
Natcore is replacing NREL’s use of thermal oxidation as the passivation technology with its liquid phase deposition (LPD) process, which is claimed to provide both performance and cost advantages.
Previous collaborations have produced a cell with 16.5% efficiency.