Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, announced the introduction of a new paste specifically designed for Diamond-Wire-Cut (DWC) multicrystaline solar cells at the PV Taiwan International Photovoltaic Exhibition.
The SOL9651D series front-side silver paste was developed by Heraeus in response to the growing industry adoption of DWC multicrystaline solar cells with a specially textured surface. Industry analysts expect DWC cells to have 80% market share by the end of 2018. Weiming Zhang, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Heraeus Photovoltaics, noted that the development and production of the SOL9651D paste was accelerated to meet the cell’s technical requirements and deliver superior performance. He said, “When products like DWC quickly emerge to become the de-facto industry choice for cell manufacturers, it is critical that the right paste be ready and capable to deliver. Heraeus SOL9651D ensures manufacturers can avoid speed bumps on their innovation roadmap.”
The launch of the SOL9651D paste series marks another milestone by Heraeus to help solar cell companies improve cell efficiency, address costs and stay ahead of rapid technology developments. For companies that are using DWC cells, SOL9651D is specifically designed to provide a wide range of capabilities and benefits, including:
· Raising the conversion efficiency of DWC cells by >0.1%
· Superior busbar adhesion and reliability on DWC cells with Additive/MCCE/RIE-texturing
· Ultra-fine-line compatibility for additional efficiency gain on specially textured DWC cells
· Balanced metallization contact and Voc with efficiency improvement
· The availability of single, double printing and knotless screen packages
The new glass chemistry was developed to provide excellent adhesion of SOL9651D, which allows customers to optimize their busbar design for better electrical performance and cost reduction, especially on DWC/ Black-silicon texturing. Additionally, this paste series has a wide firing window, which makes the paste specifically suitable for the application on PERC solar cells. It shows superior adhesion for PERC cell and is compatible for both multi and mono crystalline wafers. As testified by customers, SOL9651D Series has outstanding LID (Light Induced Degradation) performance by reducing the negative impact of irradiation of the charge carrier lifetime.
About the Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit
The Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit is an industry leading developer and manufacturer of silver metallization pastes for the photovoltaic industry. For over 40 years, Heraeus has built a reputation of innovation, extensive research and new product development in thick film technologies for some of the most prominent companies within a variety of industries. In the field of photovoltaics, the Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit applies this history and its innovative technology to offer metallization pastes for solar cell applications. The Heraeus SOL Series of silver pastes is specially formulated to provide higher efficiencies and wider processing windows, resulting in better yields and higher output for cell manufacturers.
About Heraeus
Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. With expertise, a focus on innovations, operational excellence and an entrepreneurial leadership, we strive to continuously improve the businesses of our customers around the world.
We create high-quality solutions for our customers and strengthen their long-term competitiveness by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on important issues such as the environment, energy, health, mobility and industrial applications. Our portfolio ranges from components to coordinated material systems which are used in a wide variety of industries, including the steel, electronics, chemical, automotive and telecommunications industries.
In the 2016 financial year, the FORTUNE Global 500 listed company generated revenues without precious metals of €2.0 bn and a total revenue of €21.5 bn. With approximately 12,400 employees worldwide in more than 100 subsidiaries in 40 countries, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets. In 2016, the Foundation for Family Businesses named Heraeus as one of the “Top 10 Family Businesses” in Germany.