­Solar energy systems generate power intermittently, for example based on varying cloud coverage and other conditions. This inherent variability can lead to significant inefficiencies in utilizing the renewable energy source. The conventional approach is to utilize a central power converter in the solar energy system for maximum power point tracking....

Solar energy systems generate power intermittently, for example based on varying cloud coverage and other conditions. This inherent variability can lead to significant inefficiencies in utilizing the renewable energy source. The conventional approach is to utilize a central power converter in the solar energy system for maximum power point tracking....

Background Silicon is the most common semiconductor used in applications such as photovoltaic power generation and nanoelectronics (e.g. computer chips). These applications require a high level of material purity. Conventional refining techniques for producing high-purity silicon are highly energy intensive, requiring significant electrical and/or...

In recent years the cost of photovoltaic solar modules has dropped significantly, but further cost reductions are needed for the cost of solar to meet grid parity objectives. Electrons are collected from silicon wafers through metal grid lines that transfer the electricity to the power transmission grid. These metal grid lines are electrodes that are...

Light-Induced Aluminum Plating on Silicon for Solar Cell Metallization SI Case #M17-216P Background Solar cells have become increasingly prevalent, efficient, and affordable over the last decade. However, a significant portion of the cost of solar cell production is determined by the cost of silver. Silver is used to transmit electrons within the...

During production of silicon solar cells, there is a large percentage of cells which do not meet quality requirements. These cells include broken, low-efficiency, and other defective cells, adding up to about 5% of all the cells produced. Although low-efficiency cells can be sold at discounted prices, they typically end up in landfills. These cells...

A common feature in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is that their power output is unpredictable and unstable in nature (intermittent). Various storage technologies can smooth the stochastic power output levels, but are neither cost-effective nor efficient. In addition, solar PV systems are typically connected to the power grid, letting users feed any...