SNEC 2017: 3D-Micromac half-cell cutting tool orders top 1.5GW

April 19, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
REC Group switched production to half-cut solar cells several years ago. Image REC

PV manufacturing equipment specialist 3D-Micromac said it had booked over 1.5GW of orders related to its microCELL TLS (Thermal Laser Separation) high-throughput half-cell cutting tools since the beginning of the year. The company is exhibiting and showcasing its laser systems at SNEC 2017 in Shanghai, China. 

The company has also launched its second-generation microCELL OTF system, the high-performance production solution for Laser Contact Opening (LCO) of Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) solar cells, which is claimed a world-class throughput of 8,000 wafers per hour.

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

The TLS process is said to provide higher mechanical strength, better edge quality as well as lower power reduction compared to laser scribing and other cleaving approaches. 

The company claims module power gain of more than 1.0W has been achieved compared to conventional scribe and break methods, in addition to the 5-7W per module gain of half-cell module technology.

Read Next

February 25, 2026
First Solar has signed a patent licensing agreement with UK-based perovskite solar firm Oxford PV to use its technology in the US.
February 17, 2026
Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy have claimed two new record efficiencies in tandem PV modules.
February 17, 2026
Quality assurance provider Intertek has acquired Aerial PV Inspection, a specialist in drone-enabled solar site inspections.
February 17, 2026
Jupiter International has commissioned its 1GW third solar cell production line online at its Baddi facility in Himachal Pradesh.
Premium
February 13, 2026
PV Talk: Charith Konda, energy specialist at IEEFA, says India’s 2026-27 budget aims to “establish a stronger supply chain within the solar and PV cell and module sector,” but warns that “execution is as important as the policy itself.”
February 13, 2026
The US Treasury’s interim Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) guidance is “in line with expectations” according to a US renewable energy supply analyst.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain