Multiple ribbon growth using the string ribbon method

Silicon ribbon grown directly from the melt continues to be an attractive material for low cost solar cells. In contrast to bulk methods, it completely eliminates the need and costs of sawing. The string ribbon method produces multicrystalline silicon ribbon continuously from simple and low cost machines. In this paper we report on technical advances that allow for multiple ribbons to be grown from a single crucible. These advances will result in cost reductions of the silicon ribbon substrates on the order of 50%.