GCL-Poly has successfully developed a high efficiency multicrystalline wafer ‘GCL Multi-Wafer S1+,’ which is said have achieved customer feedback, after trial runs of average conversion efficiencies of 17.6%, with an increase of 0.5-0.7% when compared with its current benchmark wafers.
SoLayTec has introduced its Process Development Tool for ultrafast ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) for depositing (aluminium oxide) Al2O3. The tool is said to be capable of a highly effective surface passivation of the cell (front and rear) with a throughput of 100 wph (wafers per hour).
ViscoTec offers specialized dosing solutions for all production steps that work with adhesives, sealants and metal pastes. Such a system significantly increases process reliability, while also lowering costs – thereby ultimately leading to a significant increase in production efficiency.
Twin Creeks Technologies has launched its first commercial tool, Hyperion 3, a commercial wafer production system, claimed to dramatically reduce the cost of solar modules and semiconductor devices, by reducing the amount of silicon and other substrate materials used, by up to 90%.
ULVAC Technologies has introduced the UNECS-2000 spectroscopic ellipsometer for the high speed measurement of film thickness and optical constants of thin films in R&D applications.
BISOL Group has developed a complete and elaborate real-time monitoring system. By detecting faults and conveying them to the maintenance team and to the owner, the system enables a rapid response when a defect in the PV system occurs.
Amphenol Industrial is offering a new active trunk and drop cabling solution, in conjunction with Ampt, a designer of active electronics for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The new cabling solution is claimed to reduce the cost of commercial and utility-scale PV systems.
GT Advanced Technologies has developed the ‘Acuity’ software, as a comprehensive performance management solution that lets operators optimize the performance of GT’s ‘DSS’ family of crystal growth furnaces. Acuity performance software monitors DSS production data providing PV manufacturers with real-time insight into actual versus ideal equipment performance. By understanding these performance gaps, companies can make more informed decisions to ensure that DSS furnaces perform at optimal levels of efficiency run after run.
GeoModel Solar has launched a new generation of solar installation software - iMaps and pvPlanner that is claimed to offer a new standard for the PV industry. iMaps provides access to key solar resource parameters with a spatial detail of 250 meters, thus allowing for accurate site selection while pvPlanner allows fast comparison of various sites and technology options.
Plansee High Performance Materials has added MoNa sputtering targets with high purity and a uniform and fine-grained microstructure to its product offering. Tests in cooperation with the Swiss EMPA institute have claimed the MoNa targets to be superior to alternative targets. Using Na-doped molybdenum layers, the efficiency of CIGS solar cells are said to have been significantly improved.