CX-100924 Electroplated Al – An Alternative to Cu or Ag Electrode in Si Solar Cells

Electroplated Al – An Alternative to Cu or Ag Electrode in Si Solar Cells
Award Number: DE-EE0008150
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Location(s):  AZ
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Arizona State University (ASU) to demonstrate a light-induced aluminum plating (LIAP) process for front or n-side metallization on silicon (SI) solar cells.

This project would involve laboratory scale research and development, as well as, engineering, design, and data analysis. The project would have three major deliverables: 1) a lab-scale tool for LIAP on Si cells; 2) an optimized plating process and 3) efficient Si cells with a light-induced aluminum electrode. Efforts at ASU in Tempe Arizona would include chemical research, research on LIAP, and development of a lab-scale tool to conduct the experiment. No physical modification of existing facilities or construction of new facilities would occur. The facilities in which project-related activities would occur are designed for this type of research; therefore, no new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of these efforts.