Abstract: This invention relates to an electric cartridge heater and a method of operation, suitable for use in producing high purity silicon in solar cells or solar modules. The apparatus includes a single-piece elongated heater bar having a length, a first end, and a second end. The apparatus also includes a slot beginning at the first end and running a portion of the length, and the slot dividing the heater bar into a first arm and a second arm. An elbow at the second end joins the first arm and the second arm together. The apparatus also includes a first electrode in electrical communication with the first arm, and a second electrode in electrical communication with the second arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a crystalline ribbon continuously from a melt pool of liquid feed material, e.g. silicon. The silicon is melted and flowed into a growth tray to provide a melt pool of liquid silicon. Heat is passively extracted by allowing heat to flow from the melt pool up through a chimney. Heat is simultaneously applied to the growth tray to keep the silicon in its liquid phase while heat loss is occurring through the chimney. A template is placed in contact with the melt pool as heat is lost through the chimney so that the silicon starts to “freeze” (i.e. solidify) and adheres to the template. The template is then pulled from the melt pool thereby producing a continuous ribbon of crystalline silicon.