Lightweight Thin-film Solar Cell with Periodic Optical Nanostructure

AmberWave, Inc. has developed a method to bond an ultra-thin (18 micron) monocrystalline Si layer to a conductive and fracture-resistant supporting layer such as a thin steel alloy foil. With this UTSi (Ultra-Thin Si) technology we have integrated front and rear cell processes based on the world-record PERL (Passivated Emitter Rear Locally diffused) silicon solar cell design, and have demonstrated verified efficiency of nearly 17%. Under our Phase I proposal with our partner NRL we have shown a path to increasing Jsc and efficiency by 6% through the incorporation of a periodic nanostructure array into UTSi rear reflector structure. Our proposed Phase II performance targets include demonstrating UTSi solar cells, with periodic nanostructures, with areal power density of 17.7 W/ft2 and specific power density of 100W W/lb, with a total area of at least 1 ft2, as well as a detailed plan to scaling up to areas of at least 17 ft2 in a manufacturing process. In addition, a detailed production cost roadmap enabling a price $6/W or less for flexible solar modules based on these UTSi solar cells will be presented.