Natcore, Eurotron Partner on HIT Solar Cells

Natcore Technology Inc. has teamed up with Eurotron BV to produce next-generation photovoltaic modules.

The company recently announced that it had produced an all-back-contact silicon heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) solar cell using proprietary laser technology. The company said the technique increases cell efficiency and could allow low-cost, environmentally friendlier production.

The cells are made using thin, amorphous silicon layers in combination with a standard crystalline silicon wafers. Contacts are applied to the back of the cell using a laser.

Natcore has filed a provisional patent application for the technology.

Its collaboration with Eurotron is aimed at incorporating 6-in. cells into commercial-style modules.

Headquartered in Bleskensgraaf, Netherlands, Eurotron technology is based on a patterned conductive backsheet that provides improved cell-to-module performance for back-contact solar cells.

Joint work will be performed in the Eurotron Competence Center, a facility opened last May to provide lab-to-fab testing and pre-production services for solar cell and module technologies.

“Whenever solar cells are assembled into modules, there is a significant loss of efficiency,” said Natcore CEO Chuck Provini. “According to Eurotron, these cell-to-module losses, which are common in traditional modules, will not occur on modules made using their production tools. Modules built in the Eurotron Test Center have shown up to 4 percent cell-to-module power gain in best situations.”

The project managers will be Dr. David Levy, Natcore’s R&D director, and Bart de Gier, Eurotron’s R&D program manager.

For more information, visit www.natcoresolar.com.