Project: RHINO: Realization of High efficiency Industrial N-type sOlar cells

Acronym	RHINO (Reference Number: 78)
Duration	01/01/2018 - 31/12/2020
Project Topic	This project targets the development of an industrially feasible manufacturing approach for an n-type cell structure that has demonstrated above 25% efficiency in a cleanroom environment. Key elements of the cell structure are a selective boron-doped emitter and a full area passivated rear contact. For these key elements, production capable processes and high throughput production tools will be developed and implemented in a lean solar cell production process. Reducing the front carrier recombination losses by the selective emitter structure will increase the efficiency of the developed industrial solar cell from currently ~21% to values approaching 23% with open circuit voltages close to 700 mV while using screen printed metallization and established production equipment. Test modules fabricated from these bifacial cells will demonstrate high bifaciality factors of 90%, outperforming current passivated emitter and rear (PERC) modules in terms of efficiency and bifacial properties. Modeling of bifacial module operation will enable a reliable prediction of energy yields depending on system configuration and ambient conditions. This will also increase the energy harvest and thus will help to further reduce the levelized costs of PV electricity and system turn-key costs (by reduced BOS) in Europe. RHINO extends the approach developed in the currently running Solar-era.net-sister project HIPPO to a bifacial n-type cell and thereby addresses the strongly growing markets of n-type and bifacial solar cells and modules. It is planned to synchronize both projects and maximize the synergy between them. The RHINO consortium, which consists of leading European PV industry as well as service and research partners, will ensure purposeful development and a short time to market. The innovations developed in RHINO will enable European equipment manufacturers to maintain their leading position and preserve technological leadership.
Website	visit project website
Network	SOLAR-ERA.NET Cofund
Call	SOLAR-ERA.NET Cofund

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	Fraunhofer ISE	Coordinator	Germany
2	Tempress Systems B.V.	Partner	Netherlands
3	Innolas Solutions	Partner	Germany
4	Voltinov	Partner	France