Innovative Approaches to Low Cost Module Manufacturing of String Ribbon Si PV Modules: First Annual Report, 27 September 2002--31 March 2003

This report describes Evergreen Solar, Inc., String Ribbon Si PV technology resulting in an advanced generation of crystalline silicon PV module manufacturing technology applied to a virtually continuous, fully integrated manufacturing line. General objectives for this first year (or Phase I) are listed here, followed by the principal accomplishments for each of these objectives: (1) scale-up ofa production-worthy method for doping feedstock; (2) development of a multiple-ribbon growth system (Project Gemini); (3) development of wrap-around contacts for making monolithic modules; (4) accelerated testing of small-size (25 W) monolithic modules; (5) development of an in-line production machine to form solar cell contacts using Evergreen's unique contact printing technology.