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The Need for 3D Surface Characterization in PV Solar Cell Manufacturing

OVERVIEW

The solar energy industry has experienced dynamic growth over the last several years, due in part to factors such as high oil prices, government energy initiatives, and a growing worldwide awareness of the potential impact of greenhouse gas emissions and associated carbon footprints on the environment.

Multiple photovoltaic (PV) technologies are presently competing for share of this growing market from traditional "bulk" crystalline silicon, through thin-film technologies including amorphous silicon, Cadmium Telluride CdTe and CuInGa(Se)2, or CIGS.

As with any industry, the key driver for commercial success is the overall cost to the end user, be it residential installations or grid-connected, utility-scale systems. While there are advantages and disadvantages to each of these technologies solar cell manufacturers are united in the goal to decrease the cost per kilowatt-hour for electricity over the life of the system. This cost can only go down if solar cell technologies continue to evolve.

Accurate 3D surface metrology of key features is a critical component to increasing solar cell efficiencies and improving yield, thereby decreasing manufacturing costs.

PRESENTER

Andrew Masters, Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Business Development, Veeco Instruments, Inc.

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