Award at the SiliconPV conference in Oxford

Award for our work on materials, crystallization processes and silicon characterization, the photovoltaic essence

96% of photovoltaic panels installed in 2023 will be manufactured with monocrystalline silicon obtained by the Czochralski (Cz) pulling method, according to ITRPV2024.

Today, photovoltaic monocrystalline silicon is obtained by rapidly pulling several ingots per crucible (known as Recharge-Cz or R-Cz). The ingots are also larger, making it possible to cut wafers in larger formats such as M10 (182mm) and G12 (210mm), with continuous improvements in terms of material quality (carrier life) and reduced carbon footprint.

Our photovoltaic laboratories aim to contribute to France's energy transition and reindustrialization by improving high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies such as TOPCon and heterojunction. Silicon is a key contributor to these challenges.

Internationally recognized expertise in silicon materials

At our laboratories on the INES site, CEA has an operational Cz pulling furnace. This expertise is rare and recognized throughout Europe. In particular, CEA is involved in three European projects (ICARUS, RESILEX, FORESI) to produce ingots from alternative low-carbon silicon feedstocks derived from various types of recycling (Si-Kerf, PV modules or mining waste).

We are also carrying out characterization work and developing advanced materials characterization methods, which led to the study awarded the SiliconPV 2025 prize.

These skills are essential to support the European PV industry and industrial partners such as the ECM group, which has been working with CEA for over 15 years in this field.  Two national projects (PVEnlight and Effisient) supported by ADEME and led by the ECM Group aim to develop an R-Cz activity to ensure strategic independence.