Intern - Solar Cell Metallization Modeling

about 1 month ago
Internship
In-person · Tempe, AZ, US · Chandler, AZ, US... more
The Company:
Solestial, Inc. is a solar energy company for space. Solestial’s core technology is a breakthrough ultra-thin silicon solar cell that can self-cure radiation damage at normal operating temperatures in space, packaged in a flexible, lightweight panel designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO. Solestial panels can be mass-produced using automated machines, resulting in costs 90% lower than incumbent technologies, with virtually unlimited manufacturing capacity. From today’s satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow’s utility-scale energy infrastructure and services in space, Solestial is powering the new space economy.

The Role:
As an Intern for Solar Cell Metallization Modeling you will be working as a part of solar cell engineering team on the optimization of the solar cell metallization patterns. You will use analytical models and simulation software to analyze loss mechanisms associated with metallization of electroplated silicon heterojunction solar cells. Based on the loss analysis you will optimize the design of the metal grid to improve the efficiency and other characteristics of Solestial solar cells.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Use analytical models and simulation software to build a model of electroplated metal grid in Solestial solar cells
  • Use the model to analyze power losses and optimize the geometry of metal fingers
  • Incorporate metallization model into a broader power loss analysis of a solar cell
  • Report the findings to the technical team

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program in Engineering, Physics or similar field
  • Familiarity with the operation of semiconductor devices
  • Knowledge of a solar cell structure, operation principles, and design optimization is a strong plus
  • Experience using simulation software (TCAD, SPICE, or similar)
  • Experience developing simulation code for solving problems for semiconductor devices
  • Ability to work on site in Tempe, Arizona for 20 hrs/week.

Our Benefits

  • Compensation will be determined by your qualification level