Abstract
Economically viable means of producing silicon solar cells for the conversion of solar energy into electric power are discussed. Emphasis is given to the discussion of crystal growth techniques capable of growing single crystal silicon ribbons directly and inexpensively from molten silicon. The recently developed capillary action shaping technique has this potential and is discussed in detail. The successful application of this technique to ribbon growth is demonstrated and problems which must be overcome to achieve the goal of low cost silicon are pointed out.
