State of the art solar cell production usually starts with wafer texturing. The result is a rough surface that reflects light, which increases cell performance. Saw damage on solar wafers caused by the wafering process is also removed during the texturing process. This is followed by a cleaning step which prepares wafers for diffusion.

Our experienced GP Solar cell technology team is responsible for acid and alkaline texturing processes using the partner company's systems and handles technical process support. So far, we have successfully put some 150 solar cell lines into operation around the world.

Process baths can be analyzed using ionic titration or FT-NIR spectroscopy integrated into the line or in the form of an at-line system.

• Texturing, removal of saw damage and wafer cleaning in a plant
• Usually uses the so called UKN process (HF, HNO₃)
• As an inline process for monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon wafers
• As a batch process for multicrystalline silicon wafers

• Absolute efficiency increases by 0.5% on multicrystalline material (compared to alkaline saw damage etching)
• Simple process without organic components
• Low process temperature
• Long bath life (uo to 500,000 wafers)
• Good process control

• Texturing, removal of saw damage and wafer cleaning in a plant
• Usually uses the KOH/IPA process
• As a batch process for monocrystalline silicon wafers

• Absolute efficiency increases by 0.5% (compared to acid texturing on monocrystalline material)
• Darker appearance of solar cells (compared to acid-textured monocrystalline material)
• Low reflection