Innovative, highly conductive silver pastes for the metallization of silicon solar cells

Silicon solar cells play a significant role in the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. The generated charge must be dissipated from the semiconductor layer of the silicon solar cell in which the electrical charge is generated. As light has to reach the semiconductor layer on the front side, front-side contacting is very important in terms of cell efficiency. For contacting, thin, conductive silver lines are printed on the front side. This is done by screen printing silver pastes.

The aim of this research work is to improve the front-side contacting of silicon solar cells using an innovative concept. Using a new method of paste formulation, the printable line width is to be reduced so that more light reaches the semiconductor layer. This should increase the efficiency of the solar cells. In addition, silver is to be saved by increasing the specific conductivity of the printed lines, thereby reducing the production costs of the solar cells.