The research team for Solar Grade Silicon have our main focus on casting, crystallization and characterisation of silicon-based materials, primarily for use in solar cells. We engage in both experimental and theoretical research and development of crystallization processes, furnace technology, processes for improvement of materials and characterization methods. Our unique laboratories contain both laboratory and full scale furnaces for production of multi and mono crystalline Si-ingots and blocks. In addition, we determine chemical composition and electronic properties of PV materials by means of a series of established techniques and methods during development.

The research team works within both competence building and strategic national research programmes and towards short- and long-term assignments for Norwegian and international PV-industry. We are also greatly involved in a number of projects financed by the EU

 Competence

• Crystallisation
• Characterisation
• Process development
• Defect engineering

Research Examples

The PV - Solar Cell Materials Gemini Centre