Cost-Effective Silicon Wafers for Solar Cells

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Program:
OPEN 2009
Award:
$3,999,828
Location:
Bedford, Massachusetts
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
03/01/2010 - 06/30/2012

Technology Description:

1366 Technologies is developing a process to reduce the cost of solar electricity by up to 50% by 2020—from $0.15 per kilowatt hour to less than $0.07. 1366's process avoids the costly step of slicing a large block of silicon crystal into wafers, which turns half the silicon to dust. Instead, the company is producing thin wafers directly from molten silicon at industry-standard sizes, and with efficiencies that compare favorably with today's state-of-the-art technologies. 1366's wafers could directly replace wafers currently on the market, so there would be no interruptions to the delivery of these products to market. As a result of 1366's technology, the cost of silicon wafers could be reduced by 80%.

Potential Impact:

If successful, 1366 would significantly reduce the cost of solar power, making it cost competitive with coal power in some parts of the U.S. within 10 years.

Security:

Most solar panels are made outside of the U.S. 1366's project would encourage domestic production, granting the U.S. greater control over its energy security.

Environment:

Positioning solar energy production as a renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based energy production would reduce millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Economy:

1366's project could help the U.S. capture a majority of the annual $20 billion silicon wafer market and motivate solar manufacturers to locate in the U.S.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Mark Johnson
Project Contact:
1366 Information
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
info@1366tech.com

Partners

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Release Date:
10/26/2009