Despite the continued constraints on capital expenditure and R&D investments, ROFIN-BAASEL Lasertech said it had seen an uptick in laser system orders, notably due to solar cell manufacturers focusing in on PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and selective emitter processes for improvements in conversion efficiencies.
The company said that it had received orders for both technologies for R&D lab and high volume production lines applications.
Recent orders were also said to include new installations of its ‘DUAL LINE’ c-Si machines specifically for PERC cell processes. ROFIN noted that cell efficiencies above 20% for mono-crystalline and 18% for multi-crystalline cells and modules could be achieved with the equipment, providing up to a 1% absolute efficiency gain.
The DUAL LINE system is said to have a throughput range of 1800 – 3600 wafers per hour.
