Photovoltaic electricity generation is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide and a cornerstone of the global transition to a decarbonized energy system. In modern solar cell fabrication, laser technologies play a crucial role in forming localized structures—such as selective emitters via doping—or in locally ablating dielectric layers for contact definition. A key challenge is the mitigation of laser-induced defects that otherwise promote charge carrier recombination and reduce efficiency. Hydrogenation has emerged as a powerful passivation technique, and only recently have its mechanisms been better understood, making this reference both timely and essential.
This book explores state-of-the-art technologies for advancing solar cell efficiency, with particular focus on the industry-dominant PERC concept, which adds a rear passivation layer to suppress recombination. Topics include hydrogen passivation mechanisms, bulk and surface defect control, hydrogenation of light-induced defects, possible negative effects of hydrogen, and laser doping for selective emitter formation and rapid diffusion. Brand new findings demonstrate the feasibility of using low-quality silicon in heterojunction applications, potentially paving the way toward low-cost, high-efficiency silicon solar cells with passivated contacts fabricated on p-type wafers.
Indispensable for researchers in photovoltaic energy, both in academia and industry, this work provides cutting-edge insights into next-generation solar cell technologies.
