The NextBase project has achieved progress beyond the state of the art. A summary is given below:
Advanced silicon wafer preparation is achieved using a novel Multi Ingot-Pulling technique.
Novel layers and contact materials enabling the fabrication of a 26%-efficient IBC were demonstrated.
The leanest process flow is developed for > 25 % efficiency IBC-SHJ devices.
IBC-SHJ process integration for mass production
The developed small area lab scale process is successfully transferred to a large-area prototype tool with high efficiencies up to 25.4%.
Module encapsulation and interconnection of IBC-SHJ devices
The NextBase project demonstrated a full 60-cell bifacial IBC-SHJ module using SmartWire Contacting Technology.
1.3.2 Expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)
The main topics that are advanced by NextBase are listed:
Definition of an industrial technological route for IBC-SHJ
NextBase identified challenges and limitations of various approaches for thin-film material, patterning, light management, interconnection and encapsulation, on which basis a most cost-competitive industrial route for high-efficiency IBC-SHJ cells and module production was defined.
Significantly increased mass production potential of IBC-SHJ
With the demonstration of a prototype PECVD reactor capable of producing high-efficiency IBC-SHJ solar cells on industrial wafer size and suitable interconnection technology for IBC-SHJ modules, the TRL of the IBC-SHJ technology was increased to a level, where the PV community becomes aware of the unfolded potential of IBC-SHJ technology to become a next generation PV mainstream.
Reducing life-cycle environmental impact
NextBase provides a thorough LCA analysis of SHJ-IBC technology. The results here show that the process flow developed by NextBase has a very low impact.
Contributing to solving the global climate and energy challenges
NextBase projected an LCOE ranging between 36-60 Euros/MWh for IBC-SHJ PV systems in Europe.
Nurturing the development of the industrial capacity
The NextBase project provides support to NC in defining wafer specification and testing wafer quality, which was essential for NC to make the market driven transition from p-type to high quality multi-pulling n-type ingot growth. MBR gained know-how from the NextBase consortium to pursue the realization of the PECVD reactor prototyping and to overcome process technological boundaries.
Contributing to the strengthening the European industrial technology base
A successful demonstration of the objectives within this project can open the door for a European industry for high efficiency solar cells and modules at all the value chain (up to new installation approaches) and can fill the gap of high efficiency modules for rooftop applications. NextBase will permit maintaining further the European leadership position of PV tool manufacturer by offering a new generation of high technology tool and processes.
Decreasing operation and maintenance costs, hence creating new business opportunities
The project demonstrated that relatively low CoO could be achieved despite the process additional complexity of IBC-SHJ architecture.
