Silane: the 'behind the scenes hero' of the photovoltaic industry
The photovoltaic industry is an important field for the development of renewable energy worldwide, and silane plays a "behind the scenes hero" role in it. Silane has a wide range of applications in the production process of solar cells.


In crystalline silicon solar cells, silane is used to prepare polycrystalline silicon thin films and passivation layers. For example, in TOPCon battery technology, silane gas is the main source of silicon for polycrystalline silicon thin layers. An ultra-thin tunneling oxide layer and a doped polycrystalline silicon thin layer are prepared on the back of the battery to form a passive contact structure, effectively reducing carrier recombination and improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the battery. In the production of amorphous silicon solar cells, industrial grade silane gas can be used to prepare amorphous silicon thin films. Although its photoelectric conversion efficiency is relatively low, the cost is low and suitable for large-scale production. It has a market share in some cost sensitive applications.


With the global emphasis on renewable energy, the installed capacity of photovoltaics continues to rise, and the demand for silane is also increasing. It is expected that from 2022 to 2025, the demand for silane in China's photovoltaic field will surge from 5498 tons to 17756 tons, with a compound growth rate of 38%. The cooperation between silane suppliers and photovoltaic enterprises is becoming increasingly close, jointly promoting the development of the photovoltaic industry.