DISC – Double-side contacted solar cells with Innovative carrier-Selective Contacts

The DISC project aims to develop key technologies for the next generation of high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules, allowing ultra-low solar electricity costs with minimum environmental impact.

Technologically, the approach of the DISC project combines today’s simple, non-patterned device architecture for double-side contacted Si solar cells with innovative carrier selective contacts. DISC will target efficiencies >25.5% on large area cell and >22% at module level while demonstrating pilot manufacturing readiness at competitive costs.

By these means, DISC will provide the key elements to achieve a very low Levelized Costs of Electricity in Europe between 3.7-6.4 €ct/kWh (depending on the irradiation), with mid-term potential for further reductions. This can make solar one of the cheapest electricity sources available. DISC will have a modern module design to ensure outstanding durability, reduce the use of scarce materials (Ag, In) and enhance the energy yield. The highly efficient PV modules developed in DISC are designed for rooftop installations, alleviating land use concerns associated with other PV technologies. In addition, a life cycle thinking approach will be applied to help prevent the shifting of environmental and social impact burdens across the value chain and improve overall sustainability performance.

DISC is coordinated by the Institute for Solar EnergyResearch (ISFH), supported by Ayming.