engineering the solar age - Suppliers for Photovoltaics

In-line processing for silicon & thin-film photovoltaics

BTU International is a leading global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes to the alternative energy and electronics assembly markets. BTU equipment and know-how are used in solar cell, nuclear fuel and fuel cell manufacturing as well as in the production of printed circuit board assemblies and semiconductor packaging. BTU offers solar processing equipment for both silicon and thin-film photovoltaics. For silicon photovoltaic applications BTU’s systems are used for metallization and in-line diffusion processes. In thin-film photovoltaics, BTU’s equipment is used for the processing of flexible and rigid substrates.

BTU has operations in Billerica, MA, USA and Shanghai, China with a sales and service presence in over 30 countries. Roughly half the company’s approximately 400 employees are located outside the USA. Since 1950, and with over 10,000 units shipped, and over 200 patents and patents pending, BTU International has been the trusted name for high-tech customers with a need to solve high-volume thermal processing challenges.

Our products:

Tritan™ Metallization Firing System

The Tritan™ Metallization Firing System, featuring BTU’s exclusive TriSpeed™ technology, has ramp rates of up to 200 °C per second withoutcompromising the drying and cooling sections of the profile. The three-belt, three-speed system gives revolutionary control over profile development. In trials, Tritan™ has consistently shown an improvement in fill factor, resulting in increased efficiency.

Meridian™ In-Line Diffusion System

Existing batch processes cannot keep pace with the cost pressure facing PV manufacturers today. BTU’s solution is the Meridian™ In-Line Diffusion System. Independent analysis has shown that BTU’s Meridian™ In-Line Diffusion System can save twelve cents per wafer, affording a threefold cost advantage over batch processing. The system can be configured to process up to 1,500 wafers per hour, providing uniform and repeatable emitters.

Thin-Film Solar Process Equipment

In thin-film photovoltaics, BTU’s in-line systems are known for their superior thermal uniformity. These atmospheric, continuous thermal process systems can maintain astoundingly low oxygen and moisture content through the use of patented gas barriers. In addition, as your operations grow, BTU has the scale to keep pace and can accommodate the largest high-volume furnaces.