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Laser technology for solar cells and solar receivers

  • Aart Schoonderbeek*
  • , Lars Richter
  • , R. Kling
  • , Andreas Ostendorf
  • , B. Denkena
  • , R. Grischke
  • , S. Mau
  • , N. P. Harder
  • , R. Brendel
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingConference contributionResearchpeer review

Abstract

During the last few years, solar energy conversion by photovoltaics and solar receivers has grown enormously. For the future, efficient and durable products at low cost are necessary and laser technology offers many opportunities to realize this. Two of these technologies are discussed in this paper. First, a technology is discussed for producing solar receivers. A requirement for a solar receiver is a vacuum between the absorber and the cover glass tube during the operation lifetime of at least 25 years. To realize this requirement, glass and metal must be directly fused. A CO2-laser in combination with a process temperature controller is used instead of a gas flame to obtain a stable process and to avoid chemical interaction between flame and fusing zone. This paper shows the results of the developed laser process compared to a flame fusing process. The second technology discussed is used for producing silicon wafer based solar cells. A method to reduce costs is reducing the wafer thickness. Consequently, contact and pressure-free laser processing has large advantages. Experimental investigations are discussed for drilling holes for new solar cell concepts. Damage to the silicon around the processing area should be avoided. Results obtained with different laser types are compared regarding the quality, speed and costs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication26th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, ICALEO 2007 - Congress Proceedings
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event26th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, ICALEO 2007 - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: 29 Oct 20071 Nov 2007

Publication series

Name26th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, ICALEO 2007 - Congress Proceedings

Conference

Conference26th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, ICALEO 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period29 Oct 20071 Nov 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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