UMG silicon for solar PV: from defects detection to PV module degradation

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) is suitable for photovoltaic applications, showing comparable degradation to polysilicon and promising environmental benefits, supported by defect analysis and performance data.

Contribution

It provides comprehensive results from mass production tests of UMG silicon in PV modules, including defect engineering, efficiency, degradation, and environmental impact assessments.

Findings

UMG silicon achieved up to 20.76% efficiency in mass production.

Degradation over 24 months was similar for UMG and polysilicon modules.

Environmental impact of UMG silicon is favorable compared to polysilicon.

Abstract

Upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) for photovoltaic (PV) solar applications has been manufactured through the metallurgical route by means of the process developed by Ferrosolar. In an ambitious mass production test, performed in commercial solar cells and modules production lines, the silicon was proven to be appropriate for photovoltaics applications (Fornies et al., 2019 Mass production test of solar cells and modules made of 100% umg silicon. 20.76% record efficiency. Energies 12), reaching, in a conventional production line, up to 20.76% of solar cell efficiency with multicrystalline cells made of 100% UMG silicon. In this paper we present more results from the mentioned massive test. Defect engineering is being applied to improve the bulk lifetime of the UMG wafers and to guide in the identification of the limiting defects in the material. Moreover, the modules produced with 100% UMG silicon solar cells were installed together with the modules produced in the same production line with polysilicon material to assess the degradation of the UMG silicon when compared to polysilicon. After 24 months of outdoor PV generation, the degradation, in terms of Performance Ratio at 25C (25PR) diminution, has been the same for both types of modules. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been performed for this UMG silicon and state-of-the-art Siemens polysilicon to compare the environmental impact of both silicon feedstocks. The results presented in this paper; chemical analysis of wafers, defect engineering, low degradation, average efficiency and environmental assessment, lead to a complete study of UMG silicon, confirming its potential to be used as raw material for PV applications.