Cost-Effective Silicon Wafers for Solar Cells
Critical Need:
Crystalline silicon wafers are the single largest cost item associated with making solar panels, which capture the sun's energy to make electricity. The high cost of silicon wafers has limited the widespread use of photovoltaic solar cells. Finding ways to lower the cost of silicon wafers would increase the demand for solar energy and help grow the domestic solar energy industry.
Project Innovation + Advantages:
1366 Technologies is developing a process to reduce the cost of solar electricity by up to 50% by 2020—from $0.15 per kilowatt hour to less than $0.07. 1366's process avoids the costly step of slicing a large block of silicon crystal into wafers, which turns half the silicon to dust. Instead, the company is producing thin wafers directly from molten silicon at industry-standard sizes, and with efficiencies that compare favorably with today's state-of-the-art technologies. 1366's wafers could directly replace wafers currently on the market, so there would be no interruptions to the delivery of these products to market. As a result of 1366's technology, the cost of silicon wafers could be reduced by 80%.
Potential Impact:
If successful, 1366 would significantly reduce the cost of solar power, making it cost competitive with coal power in some parts of the U.S. within 10 years.
Security:
Most solar panels are made outside of the U.S. 1366's project would encourage domestic production, granting the U.S. greater control over its energy security.
Environment:
Positioning solar energy production as a renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based energy production would reduce millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Economy:
1366's project could help the U.S. capture a majority of the annual $20 billion silicon wafer market and motivate solar manufacturers to locate in the U.S.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Mark Johnson
Project Contact:
1366 Information
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
info@1366tech.com
Partners
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Release Date:
10/26/2009