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Product Briefing Outline: Alconox, Inc. has introduced Detojet hard surface cleaner for use in glass substrate and module in-process cleaning for large scale glass photovoltaic modules.  Detojet can be used in horizontal glass washers that clean the glass panels, followed by rinsing and drying prior to further processing.

The Problem:  Poor cleaning of thin-film solar modules during manufacturing can result in increased cost and reduced yield due to module faults from low electrical resistance between cells across laser scribe patterns; short circuits between cells in a module; and reduced steady-state efficiency after extended light exposure to a module. Substrates must be cleaned at the start of manufacturing as well as after each significant residue creating process during manufacturing.

The Solution:  Large glass superstrates of transparent conductive oxide coated glass can be cleaned prior to manufacturing and during manufacturing using large horizontal conveyor washers with Detojet cleaner.  The combination of dispersants and cleaning agents results in excellent particle control and debris free surface.  The dispersants are able to lift particles into solution by overcoming the electrostatic attractions to the hard surfaces and by reducing the hydrophobic tendency of the surface of the particle, thereby rendering it more water dispersible.  The cleaning agents remove hydrophobic oily films that can interfere with the particle removing action of the dispersants as well as lead to non-uniform layers during manufacturing.        

Applications: Cleaning during the manufacture of glass panel photovoltaic modules with thin-film coating of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon layers.  A major supplier of thin-film solar panel manufacturing technology has specified Detojet for use in their process.

Availability:  Currently available.