**4. Potential and commercial aspects**

Copper can be the best alternative to silver in the front-electrode formation of crystalline silicon solar cells. The main motivation derives from the fact that it exhibits conductivity almost equal to silver, while its cost is about 100 times lower. The higher efficiency potential of the copper in terms of lower shading losses and higher FFs also provides additional benefits compared to its counterparts. However, the commercialization of Cu-plated contacts is limited at present. In this portion of the chapter, the potential of Cu plating for crystalline solar cells will be discussed. State-of-the-art research developments in the field of crystalline silicon solar cells composed of Ni/Cu-plated contacts will be addressed.
