Massachusetts-based 1366 Technologies and South Korea-based Hanwha Q Cells have entered into a long-term partnership to collaborate on the development of 1366’s proprietary Direct Wafer technology with the intent to commercialize and use it in Hanwha’s solar cells.
1366 Technologies’ Direct Wafer forms multicrystalline wafers directly from molten silicon instead of using a multi-step process. The company says this ‘drop in’ technology saves on energy and capital equipment and would work with most existing lines.
Upon successful commercialization of the Direct Wafer technology, the companies expect to expand the partnership. Among others, the potential options include the supply of Direct Wafers from 1366’s manufacturing facilities to those of Hanwha Q Cells.
