Photovoltaic metallisation pastes are screen printed onto the surface of solar cells in a pattern of grid lines which serve to collect electricity produced by the cell and transport it out. To maximise efficiency in the solar cell, the multiple printing technology will improve electrical conductivity.

According to the companies, Applied Baccini Esatto Technology together with DuPont's Solamet photovoltaic metallisation pastes will enable narrower and taller grid lines to be precisely printed in two or more layers. And in addition to demanding precise alignment of the patterning system, multiple printing requires the paste to be finely tuned to perform consistently during all printing passes.

“This collaborative technology will optimise the efficiency of solar cells and meet the needs of the market by ultimately lowering total system cost,” said Marc Doyle, global business director – DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions. “By working together, we can deliver photovoltaic materials and technologies to our customers better and faster.”

Applied Materials, Inc. is one of the forerunners in the Nanomanufacturing technology business while DuPont is a science-based products and services company. The collaboration reflects DuPont’s recently announced commitment to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.