The Latest Thin-Film Processing System from Advanced Solar Photonics

Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP), a developer of laser scribing, laser marking, laser cutting, edge deletion & edge isolation laser systems for the solar industry, has started promoting the FL600, a thin-film solar cell processing system.

The FL600 is capable of direct fiber laser patterning on indium tin oxide (ITO), TCO, CTO, anti-reflective coatings on glass and PET plastic film as used in the flat panel display industry. ASP is utilizing this proven technology for solar applications. The FL600 is able to accommodate the conventional 2’ x 4’ size solar panels and is also available in a larger format with similar technology for the larger size solar panels. Additionally, the FL600 has an optional conveyor to assist in the maneuverability of fragile solar panel materials for continuous manufacturing.

“The FL600 is an easy to use machine and is ideal for high-tech applications such as edge deletion or isolation,” said Kristen Breunig, Market Manager for ASP. “ASP is privileged to have this technology which has been developed and utilized by our parent company, Fonon Technology International, in the flat panel display for over 15 years.“

As the solar industry moves towards the abundant and cost effective thin-film panels, it is increasingly necessary to develop equipment capable of processing the largest solar panels possible. Although thin-film is the most inexpensive, it is also is the least energy efficient, leading to the exponential increase in substrate sizes. Researchers have found that a ten times increase in substrate area only results in a 2.5 times increase in equipment costs. Advanced Solar Photonics not only offers standard equipment for marking, etching, scribing and edge isolation of smaller silicon solar panels but is now developing systems and equipment to process up to an eight foot (G8) thin-film solar panel.

ASP is located in a 318,000 square foot headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida employing an international team of technology driven professionals. Reaching out to the photovoltaic industry, ASP strives to lower manufacturing costs utilizing proven patented technology geared to improve and lower the cost per kilowatt. This technology is applicable to both the silicon and thin-film processes.

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More About Advanced Solar Photonics

Laser Photonics Sister Company to Advanced Solar Photonics

Advanced Solar Photonics is a sister company of Laser Photonics. Laser Photonics serves as the research and development lab for Advanced Solar Photonics, continually working toward improved technology and innovative ideas to help its companies grow and develop new products.

Laser Photonics developed the capabilities for scribing, marking, edge isolation, cell sorting, cell inspection and general automation. The accuracy, precision, resolution, dependability, accessibility and overall superiority of Laser Photonics technologies and products are proven to be consistent and repeatable throughout the years. Having been a key factor in the flat panel display, solar and semiconductor industries for over 10 years, Laser Photonics has provided a proven solution to the solar industry for material processing.

In order to strengthen its position in the worldwide market, Laser Photonics has recently expanded its production site in Lake Mary, FL to encompass a 312,000 square foot facility with a dedicated 58,000 square foot application and research lab.

Solar Industry Time Line

1954
Photovoltaic technology is born in the United States — the first solar cell capable of generating enough power from the sun to run everyday electrical equipment. A silicon solar cell with 6% efficiency and later, 11% efficiency is developed.

1960
Photovoltaic cells reach 14% efficiency.

1970
A significantly less costly solar cell is designed, bringing the price down from $100 per watt to $20 per watt. Solar cells begin powering navigation warning lights and horns on offshore gas and oil rigs, lighthouses, and railroad crossings.

1977
Total photovoltaic manufacturing production exceeds 500 kilowatts; 1 kilowatt is enough power to light about ten 100-watt light bulbs.

1985
Researchers at the University of South Wales break the 20% efficiency barrier for silicon solar cells.

1986
The world's first commercial thin-film module is released.

1991
Fonon patents Zero Width laser Cutting Technology as the method that scribes glass on the molecular level causing no micro cracks and increasing the strength.

1998
The Blackstar is built for the dicing silicon wafers and using Fonon’s patented method for wafer dicing.

1999
The FL 600 is created for patterning and coating removal sold to the Flat Panel Display industry.

2007
Advanced Solar Photonics was created with a mission to make the cost per kilowatt of solar panels more affordable by lower manufacturing costs using patented technology, experience and innovation in laser solutions for thin-film and silicon solar panel processing.

2007
Advanced Solar Photonics sells to its first customer

Thin-Film Technology

As the solar industry moves towards the abundant and cost effective thin-film panels it is increasingly necessary to develop equipment capable of processing the largest solar panels possible. Although thin-film is the most inexpensive it is also is the least energy efficient. This has lead to the exponential increase in substrate sizes. Researchers have found that a ten times increase in substrate area only results in a 2.5 times increase in equipment costs. Advanced Solar Photonics not only offers standard equipment for marking, etching, scribing and edge isolation of smaller silicon solar panels but is now developing systems and equipment to process up to an eight foot (G8) thin-film solar panel.