Method and system for forming a silicon ingot using a low-grade silicon feedstock

A system for forming a silicon ingot using a low-grade silicon feedstock, said silicon ingot comprising higher grade silicon than said low-grade silicon feedstock, comprising:

• a crucible device for receiving and heating a low-grade silicon feedstock, said low-grade silicon feedstock for forming a molten silicon in response to said heating;
• temperature control means for performing a directional solidification of said molten silicon to form a silicon ingot within said crucible device, said directional solidification forming a generally solidified quantity of silicon and a generally molten quantity of silicon;
• a removal mechanism for removing from said crucible device at least a portion of said generally molten quantity of silicon while retaining within said crucible device said generally solidified quantity of silicon;
• and
• said temperature control mechanism further for controlling said directional solidification of said generally solidified quantity of silicon to form a silicon ingot possessing a generally higher grade of silicon than said low-grade silicon feedstock.