Fraunhofer ISE Develops Electroplating to Cut Silver Use in TOPCon Solar Cells
Fraunhofer ISE has reduced silver consumption in TOPCon solar cells to 1.1 mg/W, a tenfold decrease from the industry average. This innovation could significantly lower manufacturing costs and diversify supply chains, reducing reliance on silver sourced from China.
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Fraunhofer ISE has achieved a reduction in silver use in TOPCon solar cells to 1.1 mg/W through an inline electroplating process, down from the typical 10-12 mg/W. The new process combines ultrashort UV laser structuring with electrochemical deposition, using nickel as a diffusion barrier and copper for electrical conduction, while retaining minimal silver for oxidation protection.
This technology could be established in the photovoltaic market within two to three years. The collaboration with RENA Technologies GmbH has validated the feasibility of this approach, producing M10-sized TOPCon cells with efficiencies of 24% and a fill factor of 82.1 ± 0.3%. The shift to copper-based systems may lessen dependence on Chinese supply chains for silver pastes, addressing both cost pressures and supply chain risks.
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