Course Overview

In the context of incentives for manufacturing of solar cells and modules in India, a large workforce with the knowledge of the technology and manufacturing is needed in the country. This course aims to impart the necessary knowledge in a short span of time. The course will cover the theory of solar cells, design of silicon solar cells, fabrication technology, characterisation of silicon wafers and partially and fully processed solar cells, and industrial manufacturing of TOPCon solar cells.

Course Outline

• Introduction to the physics of semiconductor devices (band diagram, optical absorption, generation-recombination, charge carrier transport).
• Theory of silicon solar cells (equation governing the current voltage characteristics of solar cells, characteristics of silicon solar cells, design of silicon solar cells - optical design, junctions, passivation, impact of these parameters on solar cell characteristics).
• Production of silicon wafers starting with quartzite.
• Unit Processes for Solar Cell Fabrication.
• Introduction to TOPCon and HJT solar cell technologies and tandem solar cells.
• Characterisation of solar cells and wafers: Sheet resistance measurements, Electrochemical capacitance – voltage (ECV) measurements, ellipsometry, minority carrier lifetime, photoluminescence, dark IV, lighted IV and quantum efficiency, photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging.
• Deep dive into TOPCon solar cell manufacturing covered by an industry expert: TOPCon Processes (Detailed introduction of each process step covering an overview of equipment, process and important aspects related to production), UV-induced degradation of TOPCon solar cells, application of LECO for contact formation, Ag-lean metallization pastes, and TOPCon patent analysis.