A new tool developed by 4JET microtech could reduce the amount of machinery required for CIGS production, by combining several process steps into one machine, which has an annual capacity of 100 MW
4JET gives the example that, in a large-scale CIGS production facility with a 300 MW capacity, the three steps would previously have required up to 15 machines. The company says that with its MPCT tool this would be cut down to three, reducing both capex and footprint by around 30%.
“The recent breakthrough announcements for large volume CIGS deployment, especially in China, underline how promising the technology has become,” says 4JET COO Oliver Albrich. “No one has done more work on back processing of CIGS and we have continuously improved our product offering even when markets were down and other players left the arena. This puts us ahead now.”
The company says that the MPCT tool’s high precision laser edge deletion module can boost efficiency through reduction of panel dead zones – by approximately 1 W for every 150 W module.
The launch comes as module manufacturers are showing increased interest in CIGS equipment, German manufacturers Manz recently finalized an order worth $282 million, while fellow German company Singulus and Sweden’s Midsummer have both received significant orders for CIGS equipment in Q1 2017.
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