NexPower secures chemical gas supply for thin-film solar cell production
by Nuying Huang, Taipei; Esther Lam,
Source: DIGITIMES, 7 March 2008
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080307PD215.html
Amid the planned volume production of thin-film solar cells in mid-2008, NexPower Technology announced that it has signed an gas supply contract with BOC Lien Hwa (BOCLH). Under a long-term agreement, BOCLH will provide NexPower with turnkey installations for special gas supply systems and ongoing delivery of the gases essential to making of thin-film solar cells. The gases include large volumes of silane and hydrogen gas, used to deposit silicon light absorber layers on large sheets of glass, and cleaning gases used to remove silicon deposits from the process chambers.
The NexPower plant is expected to begin operations by the second quarter of 2008. It will use a new thin-film technology that enables the production of large-scale solar panels that have an area more than five times that of those currently produced, BOCLH stressed. BOCLH is a joint venture between The Linde Group and Taiwan’s Lien Hwa Corporation, offering gases, gas supply systems, and services for numerous applications involved in semiconductor, solar cell, and TFT-LCD production.
In related news, E-Ton Solar Tech has also tied up with BOCLH. Company executives said it has been in contact with BOCLH for gas supply but discussion over a deal have been put on hold pending further details.