news digest ♦ Solar
Optics were finally commissioned in May 2012 thus completing PVcomB’s research lines for thin- film silicon and CIGS. The competence centre is now able to perform the entire module production process, from cleaning the glass panels all the way to module encapsulation, for a glass panel size of 30 x 30 centimetres.
The first A600V7 sputter system is part of the reference line for thin-film silicon (a-Si/μc-Si), enabling PVcomB now to produce its own layers for front and back contact systems. “This has finally allowed us to close the final gap in our research line,” adds Schlatmann.
The second A600V7 plays a decisive role in the reference line for CIGS. Back contacts made of molybdenum and, above all, the layers comprising copper, gallium and indium are deposited for the so- called “sequential process”. In the subsequent steps of the process, these are transformed into CIGS solar modules.
The Leybold Optics systems offer great flexibility, allowing for the subsequent integration of additional components and system extensions. The use of carrier stackers for changing substrates and the ability to coat two substrates simultaneously means that automated processes can be run with a high throughput and high level of reproducibility.
“Our inline sputter systems enable us to fulfil PVcomB’s stringent requirements of producing, CIGS and thin-film silicon solar modules in a state- of-the-art environment. At the same time, this cooperation has afforded us a wonderful opportunity to learn from the experience of the PVcomB research team. The resulting findings flow into our ongoing development process for the next system generation,” says Patrick Binkowska, manager of the Glass & Solar Division at Leybold Optics, commenting on the commencement of the sputter system’s operation by PVcomB.
Leybold Optics develops processes and manufactures complex high-end coatings. It specialises in the fields of sputtering, PEVCD, plasma assisted evaporation, automation and software in the optics and glass and solar markets. The company was acquired by Swiss group Bühler earlie
U.S. PV manufacturing consortium kicks off CIGS roadmap
The collaboration, which includes partners from industry, universities, and government will help to set the direction for this promising renewable energy technology
The U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC) has selected a trio of leading solar industry executives to guide development of the first-ever U.S. CIGS PV Roadmap.
The PVMC is an industry-led collaboration headquartered at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany in New York that is designed to accelerate next- generation solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
Alain Kaloyeros, Chair of PVMC and Senior Vice President and CEO of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, says, “Through the leadership and vision of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the critical investment by the U.S. Department of Energy, New York is leading the national effort to accelerate the deployment of efficient and cost- effective solar energy through the development of innovative CIGS technology. The engagement of three leading solar executives is an important step forward in enabling PVMC to deliver the nation’s first-ever CIGS PV Roadmap, and we look forward to their guidance and participation in this important endeavour.”
Dan Armbrust, CEO of PVMC and President and CEO of Sematech, adds, “One important objective of PVMC is to build leadership around road mapping to establish the disciplines of financial and cost modelling, strategic planning and other long-term activities for CIGS PV manufacturing and applications. PVMC will take a lead role in bringing in the entire industry supply chain to collaborate in defining critical challenges and potential solutions for over the next decade.”
Spearheaded by CNSE and Sematech as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) SunShot Initiative, PVMC is targeting a reduction in the total installed cost of solar energy systems by 75 percent over the next decade. The CIGS PV Roadmap
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www.compoundsemiconductor.net July 2012
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