ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2015 /CNW/ -- When Natcore Technology
Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; OTCQB: NTCXF) announced the development of a
breakthrough solar cell structure on July
9, they indicated that the new low-cost configuration might
allow for the elimination of silver from mass-produced solar
cells.
In the intervening weeks, that long-time goal of solar
scientists has been achieved.
Working in their Rochester R&D Center, Natcore scientists
have built an all-back-contact silicon heterojunction cell
structure in which silver has been completely eliminated. It has
been replaced by aluminum.
This substitution has been accomplished with no loss of
performance.
When sunlight hits a silicon cell, it generates electrons. Ever
since practical solar cells have been made – about 60 years ago –
silver has been used as a conductor to collect these electrons in
order to form a useful electric current. Silver was originally
chosen for this role because it is a high-conductivity metal. The
average solar panel uses about one-half of an ounce of silver.
Silver represents >48% of the metallization cost of a solar
cell, or about 11% of the total raw material cost of a solar
module.
The cost saving realized by switching from silver to aluminum
are important. That's because silver, while highly conductive, is
also high-cost. At today's prices, silver costs about $15.28 per troy ounce. The same quantity of
aluminum costs $0.05, about 0.3% of
the cost of silver.
Even considering that it would be necessary to use twice as much
aluminum as silver in order to have an equal amount of conductivity
from cell to cell, the raw material cost of aluminum would still be
just 0.6% of the direct material cost of using silver in the
cell.
Natcore's novel design allows for aluminum to be easily
substituted for silver. Natcore scientists used their proprietary
laser technology to apply contacts to the rear of the cell as well
as for other critical aspects of the process.
"Within the past month, our scientists have wrought historic
changes in the architecture and the economics of the solar cell,"
says Chuck Provini, Natcore
president and CEO. "Solar cell manufacturers will no longer be
subject to the vagaries of the silver market. We are now able to
produce solar cells at a substantial cost savings thanks to
improvements achievable by our proprietary laser technology. We
expect to file a provisional patent application within the next two
weeks."
Roughly 1.5 million ounces of silver are currently required to
generate 1 GW of solar power. That demand translated into roughly
60 million ounces of silver in 2014, or about 6% of the total
demand for the metal. Before Natcore's achievement, that demand was
projected to rise to 15% of the total market in 2018.
About Natcore Technology
Natcore Technology is focused
on using its proprietary nanotechnology discoveries to enable a
variety of compelling applications in the solar industry.
Specifically, the company is advancing applications in laser
processing, black silicon and quantum-dot solar cells to
significantly lower the costs and improve the power output of solar
cells. With 59 patents (24 granted and 35 pending) Natcore is on
the leading edge of solar research. www.NatcoreSolar.com
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
factual information, including statements relating to revenues or
profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected
sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks
inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any
jurisdiction. Neither the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) opines as to, nor accepts
responsibility for, the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Contact:
Chuck Provini
(585) 286-9180
Info@NatcoreSolar.com
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natcore-technology-develops-solar-cell-that-eliminates-use-of-silver-300129756.html
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.
