Singulus complete acceptance test for heterojunction solar cells
Singulus Technologies AG has successfully completed the FAT (Final Acceptance Test) of the wet-chemical process system SILEX II, which was delivered to the customer's facility towards the end of last year. In July 2016, Singulus had received orders to supply production systems for heterojunction solar cells from Russia's largest photovoltaic manufacturer, Hevel LLC, Novocheboksarsk, Russia (Hevel). Hevel is converting its existing production line for a-Si thin-film solar modules to the production of new heterojunction, high-performance solar cells and modules.
The agreement concluded the supply of the SILEX II production system for the wet-chemical processing of heterojunction solar cells as well as an extensive range of chemical supply units and facility infrastructure to produce heterojunction solar cells.
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO of Singulus AG, commented: "We are very happy that Hevel directly achieved 21.75 percent cell efficiency after upgrading its a-Si thin-film production line to HJT technology. Singulus has invested a huge amount in the further development of the SILEX II, and thanks to its high efficiency and modern engineering, we have successfully convinced many customers to invest in the new heterojunction technology". Dr.-Ing. Rinck continues: "Particularly when converting existing manufacturing lines for a-Si thin-film solar production to heterojunction solar cells, we can offer effective solutions with our wet processing system SILEX II and our production systems for PVD coating technology".
The SILEX II supplied is a production system that transports four carriers with solar cells in parallel, thus offering a capacity more than 5,000 wafers per hour. The SILEX II with various processing baths uses newly developed ozone-based cleaning steps, the merits of which are short process times, versatility and ease of handling, along with very attractive low usage of chemicals. This process step plays a vital part in improving solar cell efficiency and cutting production costs. Following CE certification for the EU and Semi certification for the USA, the SILEX II has now also been granted TR CU certification for Russia.
Igor Shakhray, CEO of Hevel, added: "We are focusing on heterojunction technology both for the Russian market and export. That's why we are using new equipment to convert our existing production facility in Russia to produce high-performance solar cells and modules with an annual production output of around 160 megawatts". Igor Shakhray continued: "The results with the SILEX II are very positive and better than expected. We are delighted to be working in partnership with such an experienced provider of solar machinery and technology as Singulus which has fully met our expectations".
