The present invention relates generally to production of photoelectric grade films or cells from semiconductor powders or dust. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a photoelectric grade film from a semiconductor powder. The method includes providing a substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of the semiconductor powder and moving the substrate with the layer of the semiconductor powder under an energy source at a predefined rate, wherein the predefined rate is sufficient to melt the semiconductor powder by the energy source and to cool the substrate such that substantially all impurities are moved to an edge of the substrate.