Challenges for photovoltaic silicon materials

The August 2014 Special Issue of Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells is dedicated to the 2nd workshop on Silicon Materials held in Rome, Italy, during October 7-8, 2013. During the workshop several discussions were held on the main question, 'Which are the challenges for Si material research'. The discussion focused on the results of the online survey and on the outstanding contributions of experts and presenting authors. One of the most debated points was how to select technologies that would enable cost reduction. A few possible scenarios to reduce costs were proposed. No consensus was reached with respect to the best scenario enabling the strongest cost reduction. During the workshop 27 contributions in addition to four personal statements from invited experts were given by industry, research institutes and universities.