Collaboration with Q CELLS Accelerates Production Achievements for
Thin Wafers with Thick Borders, Companies Display Prototype Q CELLS
Q.ANTUM Module at SNEC 2019
BEDFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the SNEC 2019 PV Power Expo, silicon wafer manufacturer 1366
Technologies Inc. (“1366 Technologies” or “1366”) unveiled the first
modules to feature the company’s 3D wafers or thin wafers with thick
borders. The prototypes, produced with the company’s strategic partner
Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (Collectively “Q CELLS”), mark a major
milestone for the Direct Wafer technology and moves 1366 Technologies
closer to its goal of reducing silicon utilization during wafer
manufacturing to less than 1.5 g/W.
With an expected power rating of approximately 360 watts, these modules
use 1366’s high-performance, ultra-low-cost 3D Direct Wafer products as
their base material. The wafers measure an average of 130 microns thick,
with a border measuring the standard 180 microns. In mass production,
the wafers will achieve a thickness of just 110 microns. This wafer
format prevents breakage during cell and module assembly while still
allowing for significant silicon savings.
“Earlier this year, in response to the rapid wafer price decline, 1366
made a strategic decision to accelerate the timeline for the 3D wafer
feature. Together with Q CELLS, we’ve met every production target,” said
Dr. Adam Lorenz, CTO, 1366 Technologies. “The most vital metrics in
solar are cost and performance, and the 3D wafer feature allows
innovative manufacturers like Q CELLS to deliver the industry’s best
price performance ratio.”
The 3D wafers, produced at 1366’s demonstration factory, were assembled
into Q.ANTUM DUO prototype modules at the Center for Technology
Innovation and Quality in Thalheim, Germany. The six bus bar, 144
half-cell modules use components that are identical to those in Q CELLS’
general production.
“Q CELLS relentless pursuit of innovation is driven by our commitment to
deliver the most value to our customers,” said Ji Weon (Daniel) Jeong,
CTO of Q CELLS. “Thin wafers that are compatible with existing
automation and equipment have long been an industry goal but are beyond
the capabilities of mainstream wafer technologies. The continuous effort
for technological innovation will play a role in Q CELLS’s continued
industry leadership.”
The prototype module joins Q CELLS suite of photovoltaic products on
display this week in the Q CELLS booth (N1-510) during the SNEC 2019 PV
Power Expo, the largest trade show in China.
ABOUT 1366 TECHNOLOGIES
1366
Technologies is consistently recognized as one of the world’s most
innovative companies in energy. Its Direct Wafer® technology replaces a
decades-old solar manufacturing process to make a superior class of
silicon wafers, the building blocks of solar panels. These wafers
deliver high performance and an unbeatable cost advantage to cell and
module manufacturers seeking innovations that yield a significant
reduction in levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and will help them win in
the age of terawatt solar. 1366 Technologies is headquartered in
Bedford, MA. For more information, please visit www.1366tech.com.
Contacts
Laureen Sanderson
1366 Technologies
781.861.1611 x2204
[email protected]
