Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of silicon blocks having a columnar structure comprising monocrystalline crystal zones having a crystallographic preferred orientation. In a casting process, each mold filled with molten silicon is transferred, before the silicon has solidified completely, to a separate crystallization station where the silicon can then crystallize completely. During this process, the exposed surface of the silicon is maintained in a molten state until the end of the solidification process has almost been reached. The process allows the various, necessary steps to be carried out simultaneously and yields high-quality solar cell base material.

Abstract: Competitive current generation by the exploitation of solar energy requires cheap solar cells. A process is described which makes it possible to manufacture from silicon a base material for solar cells of this type in an economical manner and in large quantities. This is achieved by bringing silicon from a supply container into contact with a non-elemental lubricating melt, which is immiscible with silicon but will not wet silicon and has a melting point below that of silicon, and by drawing off a silicon film, sliding on this lubricating melt, and solidifying the silicon continuously by cooling to below its' melting point.