Main driver was the PERC technology for solar cells made of crystalline silicon. PERC stands for Passivated Emitter Rear Cell technology which runs on factory lines MAiA 2.1 of Meyer Burger, heterojunction cell coating equipment and the diamond wire technology for wafer cutting out of the ingots.
Many cell and module manufacturers upgraded existing lines to higher standards and faster output. Obviously the cell suppliers want to expand their facilities because the market and the demand for silicon cells are very strong – outside Europe. PERC cells need special equipment for rear side cell passivation with aluminium oxide combined with a layer of silicon nitride on both sides of the cells. (HS)
