Solar Suite
The quest for alternative clean energy generation has become one of the major technology challenges; and finding ways to cheaply produce energy from the sun is a key battlefront. Considering the key factors such as Efficiency, Durability and Price in developing solar cells, manufacturers are looking at new approaches towards development of solar cells. Nanotechnology promises to deliver a breakthrough in solar cell fabrication and helps to harness sunlight with greater efficiency. Several companies have developed and are in the process of developing new nanomaterial based technologies to make solar cells. Solar industry is expected to continue to grow rapidly. Major work is being done to develop new types of cells, use of different types of polymers, use of nanomaterials as alternative materials.

Combining unparalleled Nanotechnology experience, comprehensive analytical capabilities and extensive research across all areas of nanotechnology application, Allegiance NanoSolutions positions itself as a key service provider for Solar industry. For the most demanding research and development applications in Solar industry, Allegiance NanoSolutions provides our expertise in surface analysis, composition and contamination measurement, trace elemental analysis, microscopy and a wide range of other techniques can help companies to develop newer technologies with ease of production. Our analytical services can help companies in Solar energy sector to develop new materials and processes faster, transfer those processes to production, qualify new production tools, and help solve production problems.

Allegiance NanoSolutions has a fleet of highly specialized testing equipments that can support your solar cell development needs.

ANS helps solar industry in:
  • Morphology and Structure Analysis : Surface texturing, either in combination with an anti-reflection coating or by itself, is used to minimize reflection. Morphology and texture of module samples prepared under different conditions can be determined by various microscopy techniques and can be co-related to the cell efficiency.
  • Thickness Measurement/Layer Thickness/Grain Structure : In case of solar cells, the coating thickness of the optical materials and its uniformity has to be monitored. The layer thickness is influencing the efficiency and, in addition, the surface color, defining the appearance.
  • Cross-section Profile : of solar cells provides corroborative information on the electric potential profile and helps in identifying secondary junctions, evaluating grain-to-grain variations, and analyzing junction development under different processing conditions. This analysis helps to provide insight into the influence of individual grains and grain boundaries on the operation of devices fabricated specifically using polycrystalline materials.
  • Elemental Composition and Configuration along the layers : A typical compositional distribution across the direction perpendicular to the substrate can be used to understand compositional homogeneity and layer thickness and quality of deposition.
  • Interface Analysis/Interface Defects : The rough interfaces can lead to both enhancement and deterioration of the optical performance of the Si based solar cells. Accurate characterization of the layer thicknesses, rough interfacial layers and surface roughness is critical for maximizing photovoltaic device efficiency.
  • Understanding Contamination/Delamination : Delamination resulting from adhesion layer is a common problem with most of the photovoltaic modules. Depth profile studies can allow us to understand the various degrees of delamination occurred in modules and impurities present in each layer and can help in process development steps.
  • Measurement of Interface Oxidation Thickness : Electrical characteristics of solar cells are found to be adversely affected by disorder of the oxide interface. The native oxide may continue growing during the wafer delivery and analysis processes. In order to improve device performance and reliability, it is crucial to characterize the oxide layer thickness prior to various advanced processes.
  • Failure Analysis : Since each layer in solar cell module has different crystal structure, microstructure, lattice constant, electron affinity/work function, thermal expansion coefficient, diffusion efficient, chemical affinity and mobility, mechanical adhesion and mobility, etc., the interfaces can cause stresses, defect and interface states, surface recombination centers, photon reflection/transmission/scattering, interdiffusion and chemical changes with attendant electro-optical changes.

Irrespective of the level of production or research your company is doing, you can turn to us for answers to your analytical questions you have in solar cell development.

For reference to Allegiance NanoSolutions' Testing Capabilities, please click here