Innovation promises cheaper solar cell glass manufacturing

Scientists have developed a hybrid production method combining metal mesh and a metal-oxide layer over a glass substrate which they say brings down production cost by 80% compared to the tin-doped, indium oxide-based technology currently in use.

The glass developed could drive down solar cell costs.

Image: Adam Jones/Flickr

Scientists from the Indian government-run Center for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences in Bengaluru have developed a low-cost method of fabricating the transparent conducting glass used for solar cells.

Researchers at the institute, part of the federal government Department of Science & Technology, claim their production method is 80% cheaper than the tin-doped, indium oxide-based technology currently in use. The glass also has the potential to bring down the production cost of devices such as smart windows and touch screens.

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The headline on this article was amended on 27/05/20 to reflect the small contribution made by solar glass to the total cost of solar cells.