We collaborate across the photovoltaic (PV) supply chain to explore new and innovative process technologies. As a result, our research and development goals are well aligned with key industry objectives and we are working on numerous landmark innovations.
Customer Joint Development Programmes
The Malibu programme, for example, was established to promote the development of advanced gas technologies aimed at improving cell efficiency, throughput and yield. Malibu is a subsidiary of Schüco, a major worldwide provider of building envelope systems.
Our dedicated scientists are contributing their expertise to this joint development programme at Malibu's Research and Development centre in Bielefeld, Germany. The facility houses a complete lab line for large-scale substrates (Gen 5) with:
PECVD production tools from two major OEMs for research and development
TCO deposition via sputtering or LPCVD
Full metrology lab for material, cell and module characterisation.
The partnership with Malibu allows materials to be tested on full-size production lines, thus demonstrating full industrial-scale readiness. This entire programme is focused on meeting your current and future cost-reduction and efficiency goals.
Consortia Programmes
Linde has been selected as the sole materials partner to join the EU funded 'PEPPER' project. This initiative provides proof-of-concept for high-performance processes and equipment for thin-film silicon photovoltaic modules produced with less environmental impact, reduced costs and a lower bill of materials. The work programme is split into nine working packages. Linde is the key player in working package 7 "Fluorine (F2) reactor cleaning". The programme is headed by Oerlikon Solar and includes PV manufacturers such as Bosch Solar and Heliosphera as well as IMT Neuchatel University. For further information, visit the PEPPER website.
We offer the full range of gas and chemical products to support all thin-film silicon module manufacturing processes:
Ultra-pure bulk gases
On-Site gas generators
Electronic special gases in cylinder and bulk supply.
Reassurance and flexibility of on-site supply
Our proprietary dynamic dopant gas blending system (DDBS) can also help you meet your carbon-footprint and cost-reduction targets. Here we address the ever-rising demand for dilute dopant gases by producing these mixtures on site with high precision. Not only do on-site blending facilities secure your supply, they also reduce your transportation and cylinder change-out costs.
Materials for thin-film silicon module manufacturing
| Bulk Gases | Electronic Special Gases |
| Nitrogen | Silane |
| Hydrogen | Nitrogen trifluoride |
| Helium | Fluorine (on-site generation) |
| Oxygen | Sulphur hexafluoride |
| Argon | Germane and diethylzinc |
| Carbon monoxide and methane | |
| Phosphine, trimethylboron and diborane mixtures |
Exact requirements will vary depending on the process and manufacturing region.
In addition, we offer a wide range of professional services to allow you to focus on your core business and keep operations up and running. These extend from turnkey design and installation services to end-to-end management of your gas systems and include:
Bulk gas storage and distribution systems
Bulk special gas systems (BSGS)
Gas cabinets and gas distribution manifolds
Total gas & chemical management.
