Flamac, a unit of SIM vzw, advised that it will work with imec to develop new semiconductor materials for solar cell applications. The collaboration will see the companies produce materials that are alternates for the standard CIGS solar cells.
Flamac will contribute its PVD/PE-CVD coater, which allows for an automated deposition of different thin-film materials. The technology has eight process chambers, which are said to better allow the study of PVD and PE-CVD coating processes. Imec will continue with its research on solar cells, which aims to improve the efficiency and manufacturability of different technologies, including silicon-based solar cells and thin-film solar cells.
“We consider the cooperation with Flamac as an essential part in the broadening of our PV-portfolio. By combining Flamac’s expertise in high-throughput material research with our expertise in thin-film solar cells, we are convinced that we will achieve interesting results in a shorter timeframe. This broadening allows us to maximize the valorization opportunities in Flanders and is a new important step in the strengthening of the ELAT region in the domain of thin-film solar cell technology as we strive to together with Solliance,” commented Jef Poortmans, program director of energy at imec.
