Winchester, UK - The Thin-Film Photovoltaics Laboratory at Neuchatel Institute of Microengineering (IMT), a world leading lab in silicon-based thin-film solar cells research, and BrightView Systems, a developer of production process optimization tools for the solar industry are joining forces to introduce novel solutions for the optimization of next generation thin-film solar cells production.

BrightView's advanced solutions will be utilized to provide real-time feedback to encompass a complete framework for process optimization that is scalable from pilot line to mass production of large area panels.

By targeting key manufacturing challenges related to optimization and effective control of optical and electrical cell properties, the partners aim at improving the efficiency and reliability of solar cells, while enabling high productivity at volume production. IMT , which is part of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), brings to the collaboration its vast experience in characterization and modeling of multi-junction thin-film silicon cells as well as state-of the art fabrication and lab to industry process transfer.

"Working closely with IMT enables us to fine-tune our solutions for process optimization to the most advanced cell structures ahead of their incorporation in the production lines", said Benny Shoham, CEO of BrightView. "The excellent team at IMT is one of the true forces that brings device novelty to this industry and drives it to continuously improve efficiency, while our solutions are designed to address key challenges in mass producing these advanced structures. Together we will enable a faster adoption of new more efficient cell technologies at lower manufacturing cost."

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Thin-Film Photovoltaics Laboratory at IMT

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