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Technologies for mass production of PERC and MWT solar cells

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By Andreas Wolf, Head of Group, Thermal Processes / Passivated Solar Cells, Fraunhofer ISE; Benjamin Thaidigsmann, Head of the Industrial Cell Structures Team, Fraunhofer ISE; Elmar Lohmuller, Fraunhofer ISE; Florian Clement, Head of Group, MWT solar sells/printing technology group, Fraunhofer ISE; Marc Hofmann, Head of Group, Plasma technology / Passivated Solar Cells, Fraunhofer ISE; Ralf Preu, Director of the PV Production Technology and Quality Assurance Division, Fraunhofer ISE; Sebastian Mack, Thermal Processes / Passivated Solar Cells Group , Fraunhofer ISE; Daniel Biro, Head of Department, High temperature and printing technology/Industrial Solar Cell Structures, Fraunhofer ISE

Over the last few years several technologies have been investigated with the aim of reducing recombination in emitters and at passivated surfaces. Because of its high efficiency potential, the passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) design is of interest to both cell manufacturers and R&D institutes all over the world. Another cell design of interest is the metal wrap-through (MWT) solar cell, where the absence of front busbars leads to reduced shading. The MWT technology, especially when combined with rear-surface passivation, has the potential to significantly decrease the cost of ownership of today's solar cells. This paper gives an overview of the current status of the production technology for the fabrication of PERC and MWTPERC solar cells, as well as a summary of recently published papers in this field.

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