Last week Applied Materials, Inc. released a new wire saw that promises to help solar cell manufacturers cut wafer production costs and lower solar panel prices at the end of the line as well. The Applied HCT MaxEdge wire saw could help lower manufacturing costs for photovoltaic solar cells by as much as 18 cents per watt.

The new saw allows thinner wafers to be cut, which allows less silicon per solar cell, which in turn should lower solar panel cost by allowing for less silicon — by far the most expensive part of the process for first generation solar cells.

The HCT MaxEdge achieves this through a series of technical innovations, including a breakthrough dual-wire management system, which facilitates lower wire tension and smaller diameter cutting at high speeds. This means that solar cell manufacturers can get a thinner product without losing any time. It also allows them to stretch each ingot of silicon further. The MaxEdge also requires less factory floor space.

Posted on March 25th in Solar Products by Dan.