A technology alliance between Roth & Rau AG, a member of the Meyer Burger Technology Group, and InnoLas achieves increased efficiency in industrial solar cell production by one percentage point.
Meyer Burger (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) Group member Roth & Rau AG (Frankfurt Exchange: R8R) and InnoLas Systems GmbH have installed upgraded PECVD systems and lasers for PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cells at several customers, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency of standard mono-crystalline cells by up to one percentage point. The process, including both upstream and downstream process steps, was developed by Roth & Rau and InnoLas in close cooperation with end customers and verified in running production lines.
InnoLas Managing Director Richard Grundmüller: “It is crucial that we achieved this increased efficiency in industrial production lines and not only under laboratory conditions. In recent months, our technology has proven itself to be very robust and can now be integrated into existing production lines.”
A Roth & Rau MAiA PECVD system has been used for rear surface passivation with aluminium oxide and silicon nitride, and an InnoLas Systems ILS TT for laser contact opening. This combination of systems achieved line throughputs of up to 3,400 wafers per hour which meets the throughput requirements of ultra-modern industrial mass production of solar cells. The higher efficiency represents a significant competitive advantage for cell manufacturers.
Roth & Rau Head of Sales Thomas Hengst: “We have integrated the two coating processes required for rear surface passivation into the tried and tested SiNA/MAiA platform. The modular design ensures optimum process flexibility and throughput variability, enabling the configurations to be easily adapted to existing requirements and operating costs to be cut further. The application of the AlOx and SiN cap layers increases process safety whilst maintaining the vacuum. Moreover, this eliminates the need for additional handling, giving a corresponding boost to the yield. Both Roth & Rau and InnoLas possess comprehensive know-how in the implementation of stable and efficient best-in-class technologies.”
The overall technology developed by Roth & Rau and InnoLas Systems is also designed to be easily integrated into existing production lines as well which thus extends the innovative system portfolio in photovoltaic technology offered by the Meyer Burger Group. Several installations incorporating this technology are currently in preparation for leading manufacturers.
Additional information:
Roth & Rau AG
Mario Schubert
Tel: +49 3723 671 3340
Email: mario.schubert@roth-rau.com
InnoLas Systems GmbH
Tel: +49 89 899 4828 0
Email: info@innolas-systems.com
About Meyer Burger Technology Ltd
www.meyerburger.com
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd is a leading global technology group. With its innovative systems and production equipment, Meyer Burger creates sustainable added value for customers in photovoltaics (solar industry), in the semiconductor and optoelectronic industries as well as other selected industries which focus on semiconductor materials. The Group currently employs around 2,500 people across three continents. In its core business – photovoltaics – customers rely on comprehensive solutions and complementary technologies along the entire value chain including the manufacturing processes for wafers, solar cells, solar modules and solar systems.
The Group’s core competences encompass a broad range of production processes, machines and systems that are used for the production of ultra-thin, high quality wafers, for the inspection and measurement of solar cells, for laminating, soldering and testing of solar modules and for building-integrated solar systems. With the acquisition of Roth & Rau AG, with its cutting-edge products and technologies for the next generation of crystalline silicon solar cells, Meyer Burger Group is further expanding its market leadership along the entire photovoltaic value chain.
Meyer Burger Group is a full line system provider who covers all of the most important technology elements along the photovoltaic value chain from crystalline silicon to complete solar systems. A worldwide service network including spare parts, consumables, re-grooving services, process know-how, customer support, after-sales services, training and other services completes the comprehensive product portfolio. Meyer Burger Group is represented in Europe, Asia and North America in the respective key markets and has subsidiaries and own service centres in China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan and the USA. The company relies on selected independent agents in other important markets. The registered shares of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (Ticker: MBTN).
About InnoLas Systems GmbH
InnoLas Systems GmbH produces laser systems for micro material processing, particularly in the photovoltaic industry, for semiconductors, electronics and precision engineering. InnoLas Systems designs and manufactures machinery solutions as stand-alone systems or for inline integration, perfectly adapted to industrial production conditions. Worldwide service and support ensures smooth setup and reliable operation. InnoLas Systems utilizes innovations in laser technology to produce highly-efficient and reliable processing systems.
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