Abstract
Polysilicon photovoltaics will play a significant role in meeting the world’s shortfall in electrical energy this century. The photovoltaic industry relies on high-purity silicon produced in the Siemens process. New Siemens-like processes (which convert metallurgical silicon to trichlorosilane and deposit purified silicon through the decomposition of silane) and metallurgical processes for producing solar silicon are under development. Their energy payback time and lifetime carbon emissions are reviewed. The history of development of Siemens and Siemens-like processes is summarized.
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Jiao, Y., Salce, A., Ben, W. et al. Siemens and siemens-like processes for producing photovoltaics: Energy payback time and lifetime carbon emissions. JOM 63, 28–31 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-011-0007-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-011-0007-4