Applied Materials Inc. has opened its SunFab Technology Center, one of the industry's most advanced facilities dedicated to next-generation solar technology applications.
The 2,000 square-meter center, located in Alzenau, Germany, features state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing equipment, including Applied Materials' PECVDa and ATON PVDa systems, laser tools and fab automation software. It includes a complete sequence of equipment that is representative of the Applied SunFab Thin Film Line for large-volume manufacturing of solar circuits.
The facility will serve as Applied Materials' principal solar research and development center ,with a focus on boosting module conversion efficiency and lowering production costs, the company says. In addition, the facility will provide customers with the capability to evaluate and test key systems and processes, and will enhance the existing crystalline silicon and thin film manufacturing capabilities in the region.
