Optimised/Alternative Silicon Growth Technologies (from either liquid or gaseous phase) for PV Applications (EUPI-PV Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop new, efficient, and scalable methods for producing silicon ingots and wafers for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The focus is on reducing energy and material use, lowering the environmental impact of silicon PV products, and increasing solar PV manufacturing capacity in Europe to support climate goals. Key areas include optimizing processes for fewer defects, recycling materials, using recycled silicon, and creating high-quality products to improve automation and sustainability. The opportunity targets projects that help Europe reduce its reliance on critical raw materials while enhancing the region’s solar manufacturing capabilities.

• Develop advanced silicon growth techniques (from liquid or gaseous phases) to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules.
• Demonstrate scalability and industrial viability of the proposed technologies, ensuring they can be integrated into existing PV manufacturing processes.
• Achieve significant improvements in silicon material quality, such as higher purity levels, reduced defect densities, and enhanced structural properties.
• Contribute to the European Union’s climate neutrality goals by advancing PV technology that supports a sustainable and competitive energy transition.
• Collaborate with industry partners to align research outcomes with market needs and ensure the practical applicability of the developed technologies.

Example Projects:

• A consortium of European universities and a wafer manufacturer developing a new process to grow silicon wafers with less energy.
• A team including recycling firms and PV manufacturers testing the reuse of kerf slurry to create silicon ingots.
• A partnership between automation companies and wafer producers aiming to automate defect detection in wafer production lines.

• Personnel costs for research and technical staff
• Equipment and materials needed for silicon growth experiments
• Costs for recycling and reusing silicon materials
• Software and IT tools for process automation and monitoring
• Testing and quality control expenses
• Travel and collaboration costs for project partners
• Subcontracting specific technical tasks
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Costs related to scaling up and commercialization planning
• Project management and coordination expenses

Note: All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model and follow Horizon Europe’s cost eligibility rules.

• Budget for this Call: 18.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 9.000.000€

• The lead applicant must be part of a multidisciplinary consortium.
• The consortium must include at least one silicon ingot and wafer manufacturer.
• Applicants must be based in eligible countries as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme.
• Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate if they meet special conditions.
• Applicants must submit proposals using the required format and within the page limits.
• Projects must address all evaluation criteria, including impact, scalability, and exploitation plans.
• Applicants must follow Horizon Europe’s legal and financial rules, including the lump sum funding model.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships with relevant organizations.