Silicon based solar cells: Research progress and future perspectives

A great number of new concepts and materials are still in the research stage. Some of them may lead to much higher efficiency and lower cost in the coming decade of silicon based solar cells Costs of crystalline silicon PV modules can be brought down to 1 euro/Wp combining technology developments, economies of scale and using solar grade feedstock. Silicon based solar cells with energy conversion efficiency of 40% will no longer be a dream and both medium and long term perspective of PV appears bright.