Manz has further solidified its position as a leading technology supplier in the solar industry by enhancing its PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cell production technology. This advancement not only strengthens its market leadership but also enables customers to easily upgrade their existing production lines to meet the growing demand for high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells.
With over 25 years of experience in the solar sector, Manz has built strong relationships with major battery manufacturers worldwide. As CEO Dieter Manz stated, "The world’s leading battery producers are basically our clients." This deep industry knowledge allows Manz to continuously innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet global market needs.
At the SNEC PV Power Expo 2014 in Shanghai, Manz showcased its advanced c-Si (crystalline silicon) solar cell production solution, which achieves a remarkable conversion efficiency of 20.5%. The company introduced its next-generation production process, featuring the VCS 1200 Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) system and the LAS 2400 laser hole opening technology. These innovations enable manufacturers to produce high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells at scale while minimizing costs.
The VCS 1200 system uses a vertical process technology that can process up to 1,200 wafers per hour. Its advanced plasma and carrier systems ensure uniform coating without any pinning or uncoated areas, making it more efficient than many competing systems. Additionally, the system prevents edge deposits on the opposite side of the wafer, ensuring superior performance and reproducibility.
Complementing the VCS 1200 is the LAS 2400 laser opening system, designed for precise and high-output backside passivation layer processing. This modular, compact system is ideal for upgrading existing production lines and helps reduce wafer breakage while maintaining high throughput—up to 2,400 wafers per hour with an opening width ranging from 30 to 100 micrometers.
To complete the production chain, Manz also offers the IPSG CEI 4800 wet chemical processing tool, which efficiently removes heavily doped layers and phosphosilicate glass (PSG) from silicon wafers. Featuring a soft sponge roller design, this system minimizes substrate pressure and reduces fragmentation, enhancing overall yield.
Dieter Manz emphasized Manz’s commitment to the Chinese market, where it has established a 20,000-square-meter production base in Suzhou since 2012. With approximately 900 employees in Asia, the company continues to invest in local partnerships to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cell production.
In the photovoltaic industry, Manz focuses on crystalline silicon solar cell production and thin-film module technologies. It provides comprehensive solutions, including metallization, laser processing, wet chemical processing, vacuum coating, automation, and testing services, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global solar energy sector.