SoLayTec providing ALD tool for PERC cell line upgrade in Asia

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
ALD technology is typically used to deposit a thin, uniform amorphous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer as the rear side passivation for high-efficiency PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology. Image: SoLayTec

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment specialist SoLayTec, a subsidiary of Amtech Systems has shipped its solar cell ALD tool to a customer based in Asia.

ALD technology is typically used to deposit a thin, uniform amorphous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer as the rear side passivation for high-efficiency PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology. 

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

Fokko Pentinga, CEO and President of Amtech, commented, “For this project we are delivering the equipment for the PERC line upgrade and assisting the customer with the PERC ramp-up and line integration. PV manufacturers are experiencing extreme price pressure, resulting in an increasing need for higher cell quality with narrow cell efficiency distribution. The highest line yield possible of A-grade cells is essential to ensure good margins for these advanced production lines. Al2O3 wrap-around during deposition will result in reduction of the cell efficiency by as much as 0.2%, as well as front side color variations. Our ALD equipment addresses PV manufacturers’ challenges, by delivering the highest PERC cell efficiency using Al2O3, highest A-grade cells, and stable deposition process without any wrap around. Another challenge we address for A-grade cells is scratch free manufacturing of SiNx deposition for rear-side capping and front-side ARC. Our scratch free solution using our direct-plasma PECVD equipment is gaining momentum, with shipments and order backlog totaling more than 1GW.” 

Amtech reported last month that its solar order backlog stood at US$39.3 million at the end of its first quarter of fiscal 2018, down from US$81.4 million in the previous quarter as well as a decline in new orders as it generated higher revenue recognition on tool shipments from its backlog. 

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

September 5, 2025
Scientists from Germany and Saudi Arabia have discovered that perovskite thin-film cells are compatible with current industry standard silicon solar cells, which they claim is a “crucial step toward the industrialisation of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells”.
September 2, 2025
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) will build a pilot solar cell line in Germany to support US manufacturer Talon PV’s efforts to establish solar cell capacity in the US.
September 1, 2025
Solar Organic Centro España is planning to build a 10GW solar module and battery manufacturing facility in the Spanish autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha.
August 27, 2025
Long-term procurement decisions from the US solar industry could support US solar manufacturing, regardless of changes to federal tax credits, PV Tech has heard.
August 26, 2025
US-based solar module manufacturer Bila Solar will include US-made steel module frames in its 550W dual-glass products.
August 21, 2025
JA Solar's CTO, Zi Ouyang, discusses the company's latest module technologies and why the future is tandem.

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