New research from Australia-based UNSW, presents a method to enhance the scalability of TOPCon solar technology. According to UNSW, this approach, detailed in ‘Ultra-Lean Silver Screen-Printing for Sustainable Terawatt-Scale Photovoltaic’ in Wiley, addresses critical issues as the PV sector nears terawatt-scale production. With rising demand, the industry faces potential shortages in silver, a key material in screen-printed solar cell contacts, risking both supply stability and cost increases. UNSW proposes a new, silver-efficient screen-printing technique aimed at curbing silver consumption. The research shows that the technique enables the creation of TOPCon solar cells with 24.04% efficiency, using just 9 mg of silver per watt—a 25% reduction from current standards. UNSW claims further refinements could lower silver use to less than 2 mg/watt, supporting sustainable, large-scale solar manufacturing.
UNSW unveils silver-saving screen-printing solution
New silver-lean technology from UNSW achieves 24% efficiency in TOPCon cells, with 25% less silver use. (Image Source: Wiley)
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