By Matthew Edwards, Program Manager, Centre for Photovoltaics, University of New South Wales
Laser-doped selective emitter (LDSE) technology, invented and patented by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), is presently generating considerable interest in the photovoltaics industry due to its low cost, high efficiency, and suitability for mass production. The excellent results achieved to date – as high as 19.7% on small area laboratory test devices [1], and 19.0% on industrial large-area 156mm wafers [2] – are attracting a similarly impressive array of commercial partners. Nearly 10 companies are at various stages of implementation of LDSE technology variants into production and pilot production. This paper takes a closer look at the potential for mass production of LDSE-based solar cells.
