Joint development in cSi production technologies

Joint development has become the key to success in crystalline-Si technology. Grid parity is just a few steps away from becoming reality, and this has given a great boost to industrial growth. In-house development of complete concepts has made way for step-by-step joint efforts of industry and research institutes.

Production technology is of the utmost importance. The only way to build up and maintain a competitive edge is to engage in continuous innovation. ECN is a flexible partner for players in the industry, participating in joint developments in various ways, in accordance with the client’s wishes. 

Remarkable projects
In recent years, ECN has successfully completed a number of remarkable projects with partners. In 2009-2010, Yingli, Tempress and ECN jointly implemented ECN-patented n-type technology. One year after the pilot start-up, Yingli constructed a 300 MWp/y plant. A following expansion of 600 MWp/y was announced six months after factory start-up.

Likewise, ECN is bringing technology to the market that in 2009 made us the world leader in back-contact multi-crystalline silicon module efficiency. Production readiness is shown with a large-scale pilot line jointly developed with Eurotron. ECN obtained TüV certification on this technology together with a partner, the first institute ever to reach this. All this comes on top of our previous achievements, which have led to technology that we have developed with our partners being employed in the manufacture of 60% of solar cells worldwide.