Abstract: An isotropic etching technique of texturing silicon solar cells has been applied to polycrystalline silicon wafers with different acid concentrations. Optimal etching conditions have been determined by etching rate calculation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and reflectance measurement. The surface morphology of the textured wafers varies in accordance with the different etchant concentration which in turn leads to the dissimilarity of etching speed. Textured polycrystalline silicon wafer surfaces display randomly located etched pits which can reduce the surface reflection and enhance the light absorption. The special relationship between reflectivity and etching rate was studied. Reflectance measurements show that isotropic texturing is one of the suitable techniques for texturing polycrys talline silicon wafers and benefits solar cells performances.

Key words: texturing, light trapping, poly-Si