AmberWave, Inc. has developed a method to laminate an ultra-thin (10-20um) monocrystalline Si layer to a conductive and fracture-resistant supporting layer such as a thin steel alloy foil. With this technology we have integrated front and rear cell processes based on the world-record PERL (Passivated Emitter Rear Locally diffused) silicon solar cell design, and have demonstrated efficiency of over 17% with a pathway to over 24%. Under the proposed SBIR Phase I project we will develop a design for a flexible solar array utilizing this technology, with array efficiency of at least 22% and with at least 0.06 watt/gram conversion efficiency, with potential for over 0.09 watt/gram. Performance at high incidence angles will be enhanced. Targeted solar cell array cost will be below $2/W in sufficient volume.
