nCHANTED

N-type cell and module technology in the Netherlands

Publieke samenvatting / Public summary

Aanleiding
Even though solar electricity products have seen a significant growth in the past years, the introduction of novel technologies is needed for further cost and price reduction, and to maintain the current learning curve in order to keep one step ahead of the competition. Hence, the future competitiveness of cell and module concepts relies ever more on innovation towards high efficiency, cost effectiveness in €/Wp and reliability. This provides challenges but also huge opportunities for (Dutch) manufacturers of the enabling equipment and high-volume-manufacturing tools.

Doelstelling
The NChanted project aims to further develop and demonstrate low-cost and high-throughput process technology for high efficiency n-type solar cells.

Korte omschrijving
The project focuses first of all on understanding and implementing necessary improvements that can enable 21% n-Pasha cells. Processes identified as enabling higher efficiencies or lower costs in the currently running TKI Solar-project Dutchness will be industrialized in this project. Secondly the focus will be to develop additional processes and equipment for n-type front junction cells with efficiencies up to 22%. The project consists of six work packages. In WP1 the integration of technological developments on processes and equipment at a cell level will be done. In the subsequent WPs 2 – 5, the work will focus on the specific processing and equipment innovations. In WP6, the n-Pasha and later-on other n-type front junction solar cells will be integrated into bifacial modules at ECN.

Resultaat
At the end of the project, a full size 60-cells module will be fabricated (at a third party) for demonstration purposes at exhibitions.