Objectives

The HighLite project aims to substantially improve the competitiveness of the EU PV manufacturing industry by developing knowledge-based manufacturing solutions for high-performance low-cost modules with excellent environmental profiles. The project will focus on bringing two competing technologies to high technology readiness levels (TRL 6-7) taking profit of the unique strength and expertise of cutting-edge European institutes and industries in the field of c-Si devices and passivating contacts. The first one is based on shingle assembly (similar to rooftiles with edges overlapping) of 2-side contacted silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cut-cells. The second one is based on back-contact assembly of interdigitated back-contact (IBC) cut-cells with high temperature passivating contacts. In both approaches, cutting cells into smaller segments for assembly has multiple benefits (e.g. improved performance, increased modularity). In order to achieve those benefits, the HighLite project will develop and optimize innovative solutions at both cell and module levels. Both technologies will be tailored for various applications (building-applied PV, building-integrated PV, and vehicle-integrated PV). The PV modules developed in HighLite will demonstrate higher performance, lower LCOE, and improved environmental profiles compared to commercially available PV modules. In summary, the HighLite project will realize the following 4 objectives:

  1. Demonstrate high-efficiency solar cells in in pilot-line manufacturing. This includes:
    • SHJ cells with efficiency ≥ 23.5% on full size and ≥ 23.3% on ¼ (or smaller) cut-cells,
    • IBC cells with efficiency ≥ 24.5% on full size and ≥ 24.3% on ¼ (or smaller) cut-cells
  2. Develop industrial tools for assembly of thin (100-160 μm after texturing) cut-cells. This includes:
    • Shingle assembly production tool with a nominal throughput of 4000 full-size cells per hour in dual-lane configuration,
    • Prototype machine for assembly of ¼ size IBC cut-cells at a nominal throughput of 1000 full-size cells per hour.
  3. Develop modules tailored for various DG applications. This comprises:
    • Development of BAPV modules with efficiency ≥ 22% and ≤ 250 kg-eq.CO2/kWp.
    • Development of modular BIPV modules with efficiency ≥ 21% and integrated bypass diodes.
    • Development of 3D-curved modules with efficiency ≥ 20% and ≤ 5 kg/m2 for VIPV.
  4. Demonstrate improved cost and performance against state-of-the-art commercially available modules:
    • Develop solutions that allow mass-production in Europe of BAPV modules at a cost ≤ 0.25 €/Wp.
    • Develop solutions that allow to achieve a LCOE ≤ 0.05€/kWh (small-scale 5-15 kWp BAPV system, for irradiation levels of 950-1300 kWh/m²/year GHI in Germany)