Growth of crystalline silicon for solar cells: Mono-like method

Abstract

The mono-like method, also known as the mono cast, seed cast, and quasi-mono methods, is a candidate next-generation method of casting Si ingots for solar cell applications, replacing conventional casting methods. The mono-like method provides single crystalline Si ingots with the use of almost the same facilities as those used for growth of multicrystalline Si ingots. Hence, the mono-like method has potential to achieve Si ingots with both high quality and low cost. However, the mono-like method faces challenges owing to its crystal growth processes, such as multicrystallization, dislocation generation, and impurity contamination. To address these problems, advanced mono-like methods have been developed. In this chapter, advanced mono-like methods are reviewed from the viewpoint of crystal growth and the fundamentals of the mono-like method.