Solar

Fiber lasers have seen an increasing level of growth in the solar industry over the last few years, especially in the manufacture of thin-film solar cells, particularly for the scribing and cutting of silicon.

Solar industry applications and uses

A major application for the solar industry is the scribing and cutting of silicon wafers for use in the solar cell manufacturing industry.

The laser marking application can be used for the marking of solar cells. This includes marking the aluminium frames as well as the thin film substrates with serial numbers, product numbers and other types of marks. If marked deeply, these would be a form of laser engraving.

Laser welding is frequently used in the manufacturing of solar cells. The contactless process is a major benefit of using a fiber laser.

Watch this video, which demonstrates the pulsed fiber laser cutting of silicon, which is a very common requirement in the solar industry

The application of high-speed laser drilling is also ideal for the processing of silicon wafers in the manufacturing of solar cells. This process is fully programmed to produce the cells rapidly and can seamlessly be integrated into a manufacturing production line.

SPI Lasers and the solar industry

This material needs to be cut finely and smoothly and can be achieved by one of our redPOWER R4 continuous wave lasers, making it the perfect choice for the industry. With quick processing times, smaller kerf widths, little dross and the ability to process different levels of wafer thickness, fiber lasers are quickly becoming the preferred choice for the solar industry.

Fiber lasers are expected to make further penetration within the solar industry, particularly as there are constant new breakthroughs and innovations in fiber lasers and new demands from the solar industry. SPI’s range of pulsed and continuous wave fiber lasers will be able to meet many of these demands.

The solar industry can benefit from any of SPI Lasers main applications, especially as we have previously said fiber laser cutting. Other available applications include 3D printing (additive manufacturing), ablation, cleaning, drilling, engraving, marking and welding. Why not contact us here at SPI Lasers to explore how our fiber lasers can benefit your organisation?

Why not read some of the solar industry application insights and postcards which we have posted below. These demonstrate the capability of fiber laser technology in the solar industry.