About the project
The project’s specific objectives are summarised as:
- Develop and optimise Ni-based metallisation for solar cells. By formulating novel Ni pastes that replace scarce Ag, the project targets cost reduction and improved efficiency. Ag-doped Ni paste (containing ~4 % Ag) has already demonstrated >23 % efficiency on industrial TOPCon cells and reduces Ag consumption by ~96 %.
- Achieve high-efficiency POLO² IBC solar cells. The goal is to increase POLO² IBC cell efficiency from ~25.5 % to >26 % using industrial process steps. The IBC architecture eliminates front-side metallisation, maximising light absorption and enabling high open-circuit voltage.
- Apply Ag-free low-temperature tape-interconnection technology. Sticky Solar Power (Sweden) will adapt its tape-interconnection technique, currently at TRL-7, for Ni-metallised POLO² IBC cells. The method combines soldering and lamination into a single step to minimise thermal stress and support automation.
- Demonstrate a silver-free prototype PV module. Industrial partners Metsolar (Lithuania) and CW Energy (Türkiye) will integrate Ni-metallised POLO² IBC cells into a prototype module with >25 % module efficiency. Reliability testing (thermal cycling and damp heat) will confirm long-term stability.
- Transfer breakthrough technologies to industry. The consortium will develop a high-throughput PECVD process for p-type poly-Si layers to raise TRL from 3–5 to 6–7. Technology transfer will enable European PV producers (e.g., CWE, Metsolar, FuturaSun, EnPV) to adopt Ag-free POLO² IBC cells.