Continuing its efforts to become a key development partner and supplier of production systems to the PV industry, Singulus Technologies is using EU PVSEC this year to showcase new machine concepts and process technologies that are designed to increase cell efficiencies and reduce production costs for thin-film and c-Si solar cells.

In one area, Singulus is focusing on development of the rear-side coating processes for PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) and heterojunction c-Si cells. The new LINEA II Etch/Polish machine was specifically developed for the wet-chemical polishing of the rear sides of PERC cells before the rear-side passivation.

Another solution for PERC cells comes under the product name of PERCEUS which was developed, according to the company, to offer an upgrade of existing cell production lines with a claimed efficiency target of up to 20% when combined with the LINEA II Etch/Polish machine.

Singulus is also showcasing a new vacuum evaporation machine for c-Si cells that claims to replace the use of silver paste in the metallization process.

On the thin-film side, the company is highlighting its selenization tool, CISARIS, which is an inline evaporation machine thermal coating of CIGS thin-film solar cells that also comes with an alternative process step.