NOVELTY - The continuous melting apparatus comprises a first electrode (12) opposite to a second electrode (14) and forming a melting zone for an electric current to pass from the first electrode through a feedstock (16) and enter the second electrode, an opening (18) for draining a molten feedstock from the melting zone, and optionally a catch pan (20) or a crucible for receiving the molten feedstock (22) from the opening. The first electrode and the second electrode slope apart from each other to form a generally V-shaped cross section. The melting zone has trapezoidal shape.    USE - The continuous melting apparatus is useful for producing high purity silicon for use in solar cells or solar modules.    ADVANTAGE - The continuous melting apparatus is capable of economically and efficiently producing high purity crystalline silicon on a per volume basis with less capital investment in facilities, needs less space and/or is less complexity to operate, and maintains the high purity of the feedstock and/or can handle random size chunks of feedstock.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The continuous melting apparatus comprises a first electrode (12) opposite to a second electrode (14) and forming a melting zone for an electric current to pass from the first electrode through a feedstock (16) and enter the second electrode, an opening (18) for draining a molten feedstock from the melting zone, and optionally a catch pan (20) or a crucible for receiving the molten feedstock (22) from the opening. The first electrode and the second electrode slope apart from each other to form a generally V-shaped cross section. The melting zone has trapezoidal shape, and a width that increases with a height of the first electrode or the second electrode. An insulating material is arranged with an aperture disposed within the opening. The first and second electrodes comprise coated carbon-carbon composite material. Insulating walls are disposed at the end of and between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode or the second electrode comprises a motive force device to displace a portion of the first electrode or the second electrode. A silicon plug is disposed in the opening. A chute is disposed above the melting zone. An atmosphere-controlled load lock is disposed with respect to the chute. Additional heaters are disposed with respect to the chute. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method of continuously melting a feedstock for high purity silicon.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a partial side sectional view of a melting apparatus.    First electrode (12)    Second electrode (14)    Solid feedstock (16)    Opening (18)    Catch pan (20)    Molten feedstock. (22)