Photovoltic cell as 3D printer

Team members: Project Mentor: Dr. Nancy Sidana (Assistant

1. Arshdeep Singh 2336776
Professor)
2. Vivek Rana 2337128
3. Yash Rajput 2337131
4. Vanshika Chauhan 2337114
5. Vinay Kumar 2337121
Subject/Category: Chemistry
Brief Description / Abstract
Recent years have seen tremendous progress in the field of 3D printing, which has revolutionized
many industries, including the production of solar cells. This study investigates the use of several 3D
printing and fabrication processes in the manufacture of solar cells.
1. Electrohydrodynamic Printing (EHDP): EHDP is a high-precision 3D printing method that
regulates the deposition of functional materials using electric fields. EHDP makes it possible to
precisely arrange photoactive layers during the solar cell fabrication process, which improves the
efficiency and performance of the solar cells.
2. Using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to Fabricate Solar Cells:
A popular 3D printing method called fused deposition modeling (FDM) uses thermoplastic materials to
be extruded layer by layer to produce three-dimensional objects. FDM can be used in the production of
solar cells to create unique structures.
3. Ag-Line 3D Printing: This technique uses conductive inks based on silver (Ag) nanoparticles to
build conductive patterns on solar cell substrates. This method reduces optical losses and increases
electrical conductivity in the production of highly efficient interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells.
4. 3D Printing Using a Solution:
Solution-based deposition techniques are used in solution-processed 3D printing to create thin-film
solar cells. This technique makes it possible to produce flexible and lightweight solar panels that are
appropriate for a wide range of applications in a scalable manner through the controlled deposit of
precursor materials.
5. Inkjet Printing:
Inkjet printing offers a versatile approach for depositing functional inks onto solar cell substrates with
high precision and resolution. By jetting ink droplets onto the surface, inkjet printing allows for the
deposition of multiple layers, including active materials and electrodes, facilitating the fabrication of
efficient solar cells.
6. Slot-Die Coating Process:
The slot-die coating process is a roll-to-roll manufacturing technique used for large-scale production of
thin-film solar cells. By coating uniform layers of photoactive materials onto flexible substrates, slot-
die coating enables the cost-effective fabrication of lightweight and flexible solar panels.
7. Gravure Printing on Flexible Substrates: This technique allows for the quick creation of patterned
and textured surfaces for solar cell applications by transferring ink from etched cylinders to flexible
substrates. This technique can deposit functional layers over a large area because of its excellent
precision and throughput.
In conclusion, new avenues for the creation of efficient, lightweight, and reasonably priced solar panels
have been made possible by developments in 3D printing and solar cell fabrication techniques. In order
to advance renewable energy technologies and create a sustainable future, manufacturers and
researchers can make use of cutting-edge printing and fabrication techniques.
Block Diagram/Flow chart/layout/Algorithm/Picture of final project: