Summary of Technic Inc. and University of Albany Nanocollege Launch Partnership to Enable Innovative Process for Solar Cell Manufacturing
Technic Inc. and the University at Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) announced a $500,000 R&D partnership to improve silicon solar cell manufacturing by developing alternative metallization methods. Using electroless plating tools and chemistry to replace silver paste grid lines, the collaboration—supported by a $200,000 NYSERDA grant—aims to boost efficiency and lower costs. Early results will be presented at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference. CNSE’s E2TAC and Technic combine deposition tool and chemistry expertise with CNSE’s nanoscale facilities and intellectual resources.
Parts used in the Technic and CNSE Solar Cell Metallization Project:
- Electroless plating tools
- Chemical processes/chemistries for electroless plating
- Deposition tools (general)
- 300mm wafer pilot prototyping and demonstration line (CNSE facility)
- Class 1 capable cleanrooms (CNSE facility)
- Analytical control systems (Technic products)
Cranston RI (PRWEB) April 4, 2010
Technic Inc. and the The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany today announced a research and development partnership that is designed to enable critical improvements in manufacturing processes for solar cells.
CNSEs Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC), located at CNSEs world-class Albany NanoTech Complex, and Technics Advanced Technology Division, based in Plainview, New York, have begun collaborations on the $ 500,000 program designed to improve the efficiency of solar cells while lowering the costs of manufacturing.
The collaboration has already made progress in the development of alternative metallization solutions for solar cell manufacturing, through the deployment of innovative electroless plating tools and chemical processes to replace the costly silver paste grid line process. Early results of this work will be presented at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference to be held September 6-9 in Valencia, Spain.
“This partnership will offer silicon solar cell manufacturers a unique alternative metallization approach that can be optimized for production processing, said Anthony Gallegos, Global Product Manager of Solar and Semiconductor Technology for Technic. Through the combination of Technics distinctive position as one of the only suppliers that can provide both chemistry and deposition tools to the PV industry, and CNSEs recognized global leadership in providing unmatched intellectual know-how and technological capabilities to support nanoscale innovation, we look forward to a productive collaboration.”
“The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to be working with Technic to develop advanced nanoscale technologies that will improve the efficiency of solar cells while lowering the cost of manufacturing, said Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Director of CNSEs E2TAC. This partnership further demonstrates the advantages of deploying CNSEs world-class intellectual power base and state-of-the-art infrastructure to advance clean and renewable energy technologies, and to support high-tech companies located throughout New York State. The collaboration is supported by a $ 200,000 grant provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
About CNSE
The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSEs Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $ 5.5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSEs Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech. For more information, visit http://www.cnse.albany.edu.
About Technic
Technic, Inc. is a US based, private, financially strong corporation. For over 65 years, Technic has been a global supplier of specialty chemicals, custom finishing equipment, engineered powders, and analytical control systems to the electronic component, printed circuit board, semiconductor, photovoltaic, industrial finishing and decorative industries. For information on Technic and Technic products, go to http://www.technic.com.
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- What is the goal of the partnership between Technic and CNSE?
The goal is to improve silicon solar cell efficiency while lowering manufacturing costs by developing alternative metallization solutions. - How much funding supports the R&D program?
The program is valued at $500,000, with a $200,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. - What metallization approach is the collaboration developing?
They are developing alternative metallization using electroless plating tools and chemical processes to replace the silver paste grid line process. - Who will present early results and where?
Early results will be presented at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Valencia, Spain. - What expertise does Technic bring to the partnership?
Technic provides chemistry and deposition tools expertise for the photovoltaic industry. - What facilities at CNSE support the collaboration?
CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex, including the E2TAC, 300mm wafer pilot line, and Class 1 capable cleanrooms, support the collaboration. - What issue does the electroless plating approach address?
It addresses the high cost associated with the silver paste grid line process in solar cell manufacturing.
