Editorial: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics (SiliconPV 2011)

The world is experiencing an unprecedented growth rate of photovoltaics a technology that is expected to be one of the pillars of the future energy supply. Among the PV technologies crystalline silicon solar cells play the major role. In 2011 over 85% of the solar cells fabricated word-wide are based on crystalline silicon. This dominant market position is paralleled by a significant growth in the number of researchers working on crystalline silicon photovoltaics and in the quality and depth of the scientific papers published in this field. In this context, the establishment of a new conference that offers a platform for intensive scientific and technological discussion on crystalline silicon photovoltaics was essential to foster further progress in the field. Realizing this, scientists from industry and research institutes have teamed up to establish the 1st International Conference on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics, SiliconPV 2011. SiliconPV 2011 took place from 17 April to 20 April 2011 in Freiburg, Germany and focused on the science and technology of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules. The special topic of the inaugural conference in 2011 was Advanced Cells and Modules, one of the main drivers in silicon photovoltaics research and development. The proceedings present 114 manuscripts selected and peer reviewed by the scientific committee of SiliconPV 2011.