a modified hexagonal solar cell production process was planned for phase i of this program. a laserscribe program for cutting modified hexagonal wafers from round silicon wafers was defined and the laserscribe was ordered. investigation of a 400 wafer per hour diffusion process was started. preliminary studies were undertaken on a modified hexagonal solar cell design and module layout. a modified hexagonal solar cell development process with surface macrostructure was planned for phase ii of this program. preliminary experiments on surface macrostructures were performed. it was demonstrated that surface macrostructures improve solar cell power output and efficiency. silicon wafer surface preparation and etching time, temperature, and concentration was investigated relative to the formation of surface macrostructures that trap light efficiently surface macrostructure etching apparatus was designed and built that forms a basic model for production equipment. (era citation 02: 051178)