IBC4EU: First Results of Industrialization of Low Cost, High Efficiency IBC Technology

This paper introduces the Horizon Europe project IBC4EU with the goal to establish a European value chain based on innovative passivated contact back contact solar cells and modules. The two key solar cell technologies – POLO-IBC and polyZEBRA – are introduced. We present simulation studies and experiments on the suitability of bulk resistance ranges for use in the two solar cell concepts indicating best solar cell efficiencies for similarly low resistance values as standard TOPCon solar cells. The higher the minority carrier lifetime of the given material, the smaller this impact becomes. The p-type based solar cell (POLO-IBC) shows to require a more confined range that is slightly higher in sheet resistance than the standard PERC requirements. Reliability data on the cells (LeTID) and modules (DH, TC) proves the excellent long-term stability of the n-typed back contact cells and modules. In addition, an innovative way to interconnect the IBC cells based on printed conductive patterns printed on glass is introduced as well as a novel recycling route for state-of-the-art back contact solar cells.