Solar-cell maker Suniva has bought a crack detection system from Ultrasonic Technologies. The Norcross, GA-based manufacturer will use the tool, equipped with fully automatic functions, for incoming quality control of silicon wafers as well as final inspection of its monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
The RUV-2.2 system will help Suniva reduce wafer breakage and other production costs by nondestructively detecting and removing mechanically unstable wafers and cells, which have been affected by periphery of bulk cracks.
Suniva and Ultrasonic Technologies will continue to collaborate on how to improve the manufacturing line, and the tool supplier will also perform offsite crack detection of the cell maker’s inventory at its own facility in Tampa, FL.
