DuPont and Applied Materials Collaborate to Boost Solar Cell Efficiency
DuPont and Applied Materials, Inc. announced a collaboration to advance multiple printing technology that is expected to increase the absolute efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. By increasing the efficiency and yield of solar cells and modules, PV power can become more cost effective versus other forms of energy.
“We’re working with innovative suppliers like DuPont to integrate highly customized material formulations with our leading-edge solar manufacturing systems to drive down the cost per watt of solar energy,” said Charles Gay, president of Applied Solar at Applied Materials. “By using our Baccini back end systems equipped with Esatto Technology™ and DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization paste, customers can achieve the precision alignment, repeatability and process control that enables successful multiple printing.”
“This collaborative technology will optimize the efficiency of solar cells and meet the needs of the market by ultimately lowering total system cost,” said Marc Doyle, global business director – DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions.
Photovoltaic metallization pastes are screen printed onto the surface of solar cells in a pattern of grid lines which serve to collect electricity produced by the cell and transport it out. To maximize efficiency in the solar cell, the multiple printing technology will reduce the shadowing effect of wide grid lines on solar cells and improve electrical conductivity. Applied Baccini Esatto Technology™ together with DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization pastes enables narrower and taller grid lines to be precisely printed in two or more layers. In addition to demanding precise alignment of the patterning system, multiple printing requires the paste to be finely tuned to perform consistently during all printing passes.
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