Natcore to commercialize Black Silicon cells in 2012

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has given an exclusive patent licence to equipment specialist, Natcore Technology, to use its diffused emitter technology Black Silicon with Natcore’s liquid phase deposition (LPD) technology. The black silicon process has been claimed by Natcore scientists and NREL researchers to reduce average reflectivity to less than 1.5%, compared to current advanced antireflective coatings that are said to reduce the average reflectivity to approximately 6%. The aim is to commercialize the technology in 2012.

“Natcore has the ability to passivate black silicon cells using their liquid phase deposition (LPD) technology,” noted Dr. Dennis Flood, Natcore's chief technology officer. “That has been the missing piece. It's what will enable black silicon to reach its potential. Before Natcore's passivation technology, it was necessary to put coated cells into a 1,000ºC furnace to create a thermal oxide.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

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

According to Natcore, its LPD silica coating achieves passivation without requiring an extra thermal process, reducing processing costs, while increasing cell efficiencies.

“We're combining NREL's black silicon technology with our LPD and passivation technologies, commented Natcore President and CEO Chuck Provini. “We'll optimize the combined processes and incorporate them into our AR-Box. AR-Box enables use of an all-liquid phase process for creating ultralow reflectivity, high-performance silicon solar cells at high volume production rates.” 

The NREL license contains a development and commercialization plan that establishes technical and market milestones for Natcore, some which are needed to be met by August, 2012. The deal with NREL also includes a royalty structure.

The NREL Black Silicon technology should not be confused with SiOnyx’s Black Silicon surface texturing technology.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK