Heraeus expands line of silver pastes for silicon solar cells
Source: EMSNow.com /May 01, 2008
http://www.emsnow.com/npps/story.cfm?pg=story&id=33266
Backed by 40 years of experience as a market leader in electronic materials, the Thick Film Materials Business Unit of Heraeus has developed a series of metallization materials for silicon solar cells. The HeraSol line of screen-printable silver front side conductor pastes are tailored solutions for either SiNx or TiOx anti-reflective coatings used on single or multicrystalline wafers. The SOL950 series of fired pastes – available in leaded and lead-free formulations – provide higher efficiency due to low contact resistance and high fill factors. The HeraSol series is cadmium-free and is co-fireable with commercial back side metallizations.
Heraeus worked with the University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaics (UCEP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology to optimize the paste formulation for the industry. The front side conductor pastes were also subjected to independent testing labs in Germany, ensuring that the HeraSol line is compatible with current PV materials.
According to David Malanga, worldwide technical service manager for the Thick Film Materials Division of Heraeus, the HeraSol line of products is available with a variety of organic and inorganic formulations. Malanga said this enables customers to partner with Heraeus to develop a paste formula that will optimize their specific products and processes.
Malanga said the HeraSol line of conductor pastes expands the company’s product portfolio for solar cell applications, which also includes a complete line of sputtering targets and connector ribbons. He also noted that dedicated personnel in Europe, Asia, and the US help Heraeus provide unmatched local technical and sales support for the photovoltaic industry.