Order Focus: SoLayTec shipping first four ALD tools to customers

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

TNO spin-off company, SoLayTec has sold the first four of its Al2O3 ultrafast ALD (atomic layer deposition) Process Development Tools (PDT) to separate customers that include imec, Fraunhofer ISE and two unidentified Asia-based solar cell manufacturers. SoLayTec said that the tools would be installed in the third and fourth quarter of 2011.

All the tools are being supplied for research applications such as surface passivation, depositing Al2O3 on c-Si cells. SoLayTec believes this important milestone precedes volume production implementation of the technology with cells capable of 20%-plus conversion efficiencies.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

According SoLayTec research institutes and solar cell manufacturers are still in an optimisation phase of the process recipe for Al2O3. However, upon being optimised the company expects a transition away from PDT’s with throughputs of approximately 100 wafers per hour (wph) to 3,600 wph available

phase of optimising the process recipe for Al2O3. As the research and development requires low volumes, the PDT (100 wph) is viewed as the best option for this job. When the processes have been optimised, ramping up to high volume will be possible installing the high volume tool from SoLayTec, which is capable of 3,600 wph.
 

Read Next

September 10, 2025
The CEFC has said that a coordinated approach to transmission in Pilbara, Western Australia, could save more than AU$30 billion over 25 years.
September 9, 2025
Iberdrola has signed a 77MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Italian grocery retail group Selex Gruppo Commerciale.
September 9, 2025
Nautilus and Summit Ridge Energy secured major financing deals to expand community solar projects across multiple US states.
September 9, 2025
The US is forecast to reach between US$55-60 billion in clean energy tax credit monetisation in 2025, according to a report from clean energy financing technology platform Crux.
September 9, 2025
The average price of solar modules sold in Europe fell marginally between July and August, while buyers’ confidence remained steady.
September 9, 2025
The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a policy blueprint which it claims would “strengthen the reliability of America’s electric grid with solar and storage technologies.”

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines