NESSI Project

The NESSI Project aimed to exploit waste materials from the semiconductor industry to address a shortage of raw materials in the solar cell industry.

The Department of Materials Science from the University of Milano-Bicocca was an integral partner in the project. The funding, provided by the EESD programme, enabled the university to upgrade its laboratory with new equipment. Specifically, a photoluminescence bench was outfitted with a monochromator, and an electron beam induced current (EBIC) tool was added to an existing scanning electron microscope (SEM).

With the aid of these new tools, the Italian team was able to analyse material properties in detail during the production of new solar cells. The investigation bore fruit, particularly with respect to the mechanisms of internal gettering, a critical process which helps to isolate impurities and limit their damaging influence.

Another important aspect of the NESSI project is the experience it afforded young researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Three undergraduates participated in the ingot characterisation phase and produced relevant theses further to their efforts. Complementing theoretical studies with hands-on laboratory work enhances the educational experience of the research scientists of tomorrow. This will help to maintain Europe's edge in this very competitive industry.

The Solar Energy division of the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands was charged with modifying cell process technology to convert low-quality multicrystalline silicon (me-Si) into n-type wafers. The challenge was to cut costs without sacrificing performance.

Using new sequences for surface passivation, Solar Energy was able to achieve high levels of cell efficiency. Extensive testing during NESSI led of an industrial-scale process with multimegawatt annual production capacity. The encouraging results of an economic feasibility study will help to drive further investment.

(Source ResearchEU)

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