METHOD FOR SEPARATING SILICON SOLAR CELLS

In a method for separating silicon solar cells, a groove is introduced into a silicon wafer containing the silicon solar cells along a separating line in a front side of the silicon wafer adjacent to a p-n junction in the silicon wafer using a first laser beam. The groove has a depth reaching at least to the p-n junction and extends to a lateral edge of the silicon wafer. In a second work step, the silicon wafer is cut along the separating line starting at the lateral edge using a second laser beam directed into the groove. Wherein the melt arising during the cutting is driven out of the cutting kerf arising during the cutting using a cutting gas flowing at least approximately in the direction of the second laser beam.