DEMOSOLNOWAT · Testing and up scaling of technology developed under the SOLNOWAT FP7 Project which developed a competitive 0 GWP, dry, atmospheric pressure etching process for use in manufacture of PV solar cells

Following on the successful results of SOLNOWAT project that commenced in September 2011, this project will focus on up scaling and demonstrating the novel technology that was developed for the photovoltaic manufacturing industry under the first FP7 project.The technology developed and proven in the SOLNOWAT project serves to reduce the water consumption of the cell manufacturing process, focussing on the etching steps, high throughput technology and specific process control - this follow on project will act as a stepping stone in getting the innovations from the ""lab to the fab"".Under this project specific industrial scale prototype equipment will be built by the participating SMEs and the technology will be demonstrated and tested i.e. the equipment will feature a dry etching tool with high volume/ high throughput system, integrating specific process control.Given the turmoil that exists in the solar industry at this time the funding of this prototype testing would be very difficult without European Funding. Up to 68% of all cells made in 2011 came from China or Taiwan, innovation & significant cost reduction is required if Europe is again to become a player in the PV manufacturing industry.""