Applied Materials #1 Supplier to Chinese Solar Industry

Last week, Applied Materials participated in the 5th SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai. Since this show began in 2007, China has become the world’s foremost supplier of solar cells and modules, and SNEC is now one of the industry’s largest, must-attend solar events.

In our exhibit booth, Applied Materials proudly articulated our leadership on the large centerpiece backboard — "#1 Solar PV Manufacturing Solutions." Visitors to our booth learned about what has driven our success: Applied’s Baccini systems for screen printing applications and our PWS wafering tools.

We also leveraged this important show to announce several innovations. For improving cell efficiencies, we revealed a low-risk route to fabricate selective emitter (SE) structures. This new solution incorporates a high-precision imaging system, custom screens, and optimized dopant paste technology developed with Honeywell Electronic Materials. To advance wafering applications, we announced a new, high-strength structured wire technology. We expect the new structured wire to increase cutting speed by 70%, resulting in a 30% reduction in total system cost of ownership.

More information on these advancements and details about our activities at this year’s SNEC is available on our web site in English or Chinese.

This May we will host the 1st Innovation Summit in Xi'an for our customers and partners. Guests will visit the world’s most advanced Solar Technology Center and get an up close look at our latest technologies in wafering and cell manufacturing as well as factory productivity.