Scifiniti’s SmartWafer’ technology reduces high purity silicon usage by more than 90%

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

US start-up, Scifiniti is developing a low-cost ‘SmartWafer’ that is claimed to enhance the performance and significantly lower the cost of silicon-based products.

Problem

To enable the continued cost reduction and growth of solar-based energy, the largest opportunity in the value chain is to dramatically decrease the cost of the silicon wafer. SmartWafer has been engineered specifically for solar cell manufacturing, unlike traditional wafers that have been adapted from the semiconductor industry. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution

SmartWafer uses a thin, deposited, high-quality silicon layer on a conductive substrate, offering the same form-factor as a standard wafer enabling a “drop-in” replacement. Cell and module manufacturers can use the SmartWafer without any changes to existing processes or purchase new capital equipment. The company estimates that high purity silicon usage is reduced by more than 90% and provide improved yields from reduce wafer breakage rates when compared to conventional wafers. The wafers comprise a 30 micrometer high quality multicrystalline silicon active layer, on top of a 170 micrometer low cost substrate for mechanical support. Scifiniti notes that a silicon layer of 30 to 50 microns with effective light trapping has the same conversion efficiency as a conventional wafer of 160 – 180 microns.

Applications

Solar-grade wafers.

Platform

SmartWafers comprise a 30 micron high quality multicrystalline silicon active layer. Along with the SmartWafer, Scifiniti has developed a number of new technologies, including an in-line continuous deposition system, a crystallization system and advanced semi-grade ceramic processes.

Availability

Sampling only.

Read Next

June 6, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) NOA Group has reached financial close on a 349MW solar PV project in South Africa.
June 6, 2025
France has registered zero or negative energy prices for 90% of days in May 2025, according to data from energy storage developer Storio Energy.
June 6, 2025
rPlus Energies has secured more than US$500 million for an 800MW solar-plus-storage project in Emery County, Utah, US.  
June 6, 2025
Eternal Sun has acquired German solar simulator provider Wavelabs, which has resulted in the formation of a new subsidy, Wavelabs Eternal Sun.
Premium
June 6, 2025
Europe must secure the 'strategic segments' of the solar supply chain, according to experts at a PV Tech panel at this year's Intersolar event.
June 6, 2025
Australia’s Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has called on Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, to “urgently intervene” on a rule change that could threaten to derail the uptake of rooftop solar PV.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece