TENUIS GEN 2 system from Singulus offers process time reduction for CIS/CIGS thin-film solar cells

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  Singulus Technologies has made significant improvements to its TENUIS platform for wet-chemical coating of thin film solar modules made of copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) on glass.

Singulus Technologies has made significant improvements to its TENUIS platform for wet-chemical coating of thin-film solar modules made of copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) on glass. The TENUIS GEN 2 system incorporates new and unique concepts in terms of dosing and temperature control, while reducing the process time by up to 20%. The floor space requirements of the modular system have also been reduced by 30%.

Problem

It is extremely important for cell manufacturers to continuously advance processes and throughput to gain a competitive advantage. Major improvements to production tool platforms are required that can reduce production costs and intrinsic CoO.

Solution

The new TENUIS GEN 2 is claimed to offer substantial cost advantages in the production of high-performance CIS/CIGS thin-film solar cells. The costs are significantly reduced by temperature profiles adjusted to the process and by very efficient use of process chemicals, so that the new system consistently exploits the savings potential in manufacturing. Compared with its predecessor, the TENUIS GEN 2 version not only reduces the production time but also the required floor space by 30% and saves footprint and maintenance costs accordingly. Due to the space-saving design the new system is easily integrated into existing production lines. For a higher throughput several production machines can be combined to form a large production complex. The system is also claimed to provide advantages upon commissioning and in the ramp-up stage. The new cluster design enables the commissioning to commence modularly after a short installation time and the first substrates can be coated. The following cluster can be assembled simultaneously or consecutively, helping to reduce overall tool install times.

Applications

Wet-chemical coating of buffer layers for copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) on glass. The system provides the possibility of using alternative coating materials such as ZnS.

Platform

TENUIS GEN 2 system is characterized by stable and reproducible process results and a very high uptime, according to the company.  The re-launch of the TENUIS system is completed by a new software-user interface.

Availability

August 2011 onwards.