Inspection systems

Quality and process control are key factors for a high-efficiency and low-cost production of wafers, solar cells and modules. In collaboration with subsidiary GP Solar, centrotherm photovoltaics supplies the product series "GP Solar Inspect" which covers inspection and characterization systems designed for the multiple requirements in photovoltaics industry.

Wafer Inspection

The wafer inspection process can be performed at the end of a wafer production line or as incoming inspection in a solar cell production line. The main inspection criteria are geometry, contour, contamination, thickness, resistivity, lifetime and others. We offer specialized solutions based on latest technologies for pv inspection processes.

• highly reliable detection rate
• soft wafer handling automatism
• high throughput (3600 wafers/h)
• operator friendly user interface

Process Control

For permanent monitoring in solar cell processing we offer inspection and measurement systems that give immediate feedback concerning current process quality. The systems can detect wafer stability, edge isolation, texture quality, surface defects, AR-coating quality, print pattern, sheet resistance and others. Our measurement concepts are constantly adapted to the latest process technology.

• high accuracy measurement of front and rear side parameters
• multiple interface standards for factory network and database connection
• optimized yield control and defect analysis
• systems are ready for central recipe management
• automatic calibration control

Cell Inspection

Our quality inspection systems are designed for front and rear side solar cell classification. The systems measure the most important cell inspection criteria such as print accuracy and precision, cell geometry, surface, color and others. In our cell inspection system we unite the latest inspection technology and many years of classification experience in pv industry.

• high accuracy classification of defects
• individual measurement of criteria and their logical combination within the recipe
• multiple interface standards for factory network and database connection
• fully automated system calibration procedure

Lab Equipment

Additionaly our product portfolio contains characterization systems for solar cell product development and qualification as well as reference samples for calibration of inline equipment. Our equipment precisely measures product characteristics and correlates R&D measurements with production data. The measured product characteristics are wafer quality and stability, print quality, reflectance, solar cell performance and others which influence efficiency, loss and lifetime.

• separate software tool for analysis and statistical data handling
• intensive know-how in loss analysis procedures
• all systems are fully dedicated for use in pv industry