The 2018 Technology Highlights feature counts down 25 of the year’s top innovations in solar manufacturing. With huge new capacities ramping up across Asia, and module makers looking to differentiate their products, boosting volume and efficiency are the name of the game.
Awards will be given at pv magazine‘s joint reception with Heraeus, at the upcoming SNEC trade show in Shanghai.
With this in mind, our jury of independent experts selected the following innovations as worthy of special recognition:
GTAT Polysilicon Tube Filaments
GT Advanced Technologies states that its Tube Filaments can increase annual polysilicon production rates in the Siemens process by more than 30%, whilst reducing energy consumption by 20%. The jury noted that this solution overcomes several issues in polysilicon production, and that it could become a new industry standard.
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3D-Micromac Microcell OTF
3D-Micromac's dual lane laser processing system for silicon cells allows for double lane throughput, with both lanes working independently of each other. The innovation was singled out by the jury for its impressive throughput of 8,000 wafers per hour, with fewer laser heads per line and no contact transport.
1366 Technologies Direct Wafer Process
An innovation with truly transformative potential, the Direct Wafer Process was chosen as the 2018 Technology to Watch. 1366 says that its process could cut wafer costs in half and even lower, and also allows for further innovation in the wafer structue, such as extremely thin wafers to to minimize material consumption, with reinforcement in particular areas.
To view the full Technology Highlights feature for 2018, and for previous years, visit the feature page on our website.
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