Status and perspectives of crystalline silicon photovoltaics in research and industry

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics has long been considered energy intensive and costly. Over the past decades, spectacular improvements along manufacturing chain have made c-Si a low-cost source of electricity that can no longer be ignored. 125 GW modules installed in 2020, 95% overall photovoltaic (PV) market, over 700 cumulatively installed. There are some strong indications could become most important world by 2040–2050. In this Review, we survey key changes related to materials industrial processing PV components. At wafer level, reduction polysilicon cost general implementation diamond wire sawing reduced monocrystalline wafers. parallel, concentration impurities electronic defects various types wafers reduced, allowing for high efficiency devices. Improved cleanliness production lines, increased tool automation improved technology cell architectures all helped increase mainstream modules. Efficiency gains at level were accompanied an size introduction advanced assembly techniques. These allowed cell-to-module losses will accelerate yearly gain To conclude, discuss what it take other technologies compete with on mass market. solar cells today’s main technology, enabling minimal carbon emissions unprecedented low cost. This Review discusses recent evolution present status research development, near-future perspectives.