Introduction One major problem in the photovoltaic industry is the high price of refined solar grade silicon. In this research, a new method for refining metallurgical grade silicon to solar grade silicon is investigated. Methods The main steps include alloying with copper, solidification, grinding and gravity separation. Results A metallography study showed the presence of only two microconstituents, mainly pure silicon dendrites and Cu 3 Si intermetallic. Chemical analysis revealed a several times higher impurity level in the Cu 3 Si intermetallic than in the pure silicon; furthermore, the amount of nine elements in the refined silicon is reduced below the ICP detection limit. Discussion The acquired results showed that the suggested method is efficient in removing impurities from the metallurgical grade silicon with great potential for further development.

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