In the pursuit of more cost-effective and efficient solar cell production, a team of researchers from the University of South Florida, led by Donald Intal, has explored the use of cavitation technology to produce silver paste for solar cells. The team, which includes Abasifreke Ebong, Dana Hankey, and Marshall Tibbett, has published their findings in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
The study focuses on the application of cavitation, a process that uses high-frequency sound waves to enhance the dispersion of metal paste, as an alternative to the traditional three-roll milling (TRM) method. The researchers found that cavitated silver paste offers several advantages, including reduced oxidation, extended shelf life, and minimized waste. These benefits contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective production process for solar cells.
The team fabricated Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar cells using the cavitated silver paste and compared their performance to cells made with conventional paste. The cavitated paste achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 21%, slightly lower than the 22% efficiency of the conventional paste. This slight reduction in efficiency is attributed to the finer gridlines produced by the cavitated paste, which, while reducing silver usage and costs, also increase contact resistance and lower the fill factor.
Despite the minor decrease in efficiency, the researchers highlight the potential of cavitation technology for more efficient and cost-effective solar cell production. The study suggests that further research is needed to optimize the efficiency and resistance of cavitated silver paste, paving the way for its commercial application in the solar energy industry. The findings indicate that cavitation technology could play a significant role in reducing the costs associated with solar cell production, making solar energy more accessible and affordable.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.