Applied Materials, Inc.

Michael Marriott

Salvador P Umotoy

Vinay K Shah

Yong Liu

Gopalakrishna B Prabhu

Danny Cam Toan Lu

Zhiyong Li

Jeffrey S Sullivan

Yacov Elgar

Tai T Ngo

Tzay-Fa Su

Dhruv Gajaria

Harry Smith Whitesell, Iii

Xue Hong Ma

Xiao Ning Li

Jie Ling

John Visitacion

Peter Crundwell

Ho Gene Choi

Dennis C Pierce

Peter Wang

The present invention generally relates to an edge deletion module positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication line. The edge deletion module may include a grinding wheel device for removing material from edge regions of a solar cell device and cleaning the edge regions of the solar cell device after removing the material. The edge deletion module may also include an abrasive element, a portion of which is ground as it is periodically, laterally advanced toward the grinding wheel device. A controller is provided for controlling the operation and function of various facets of the module.

Solar panel edge deletion module

A method and apparatus for testing a photovoltaic substrate disposes the substrate on a support gantry with connection points such as vacuum cups. The gantry is actuated into a test position. A probe nest coupled to the gantry connects to a junction box on the substrate. A power supply applies voltage to the junction box, and an actuated frame contacts an edge region of the substrate to detect any breakthrough current. The actuated frame comprises a liner for maximizing contact with the edge of the substrate. The liner may be conductive, or may have a conductive surface. Current sensors coupled to the conductive liner of the frame detect any breakthrough current. A solar spectrum simulator provides solar spectrum radiation for testing the photovoltaic properties of the substrate.

Dry high potential tester and solar simulator tool

Growing community of inventors

Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

Michael Marriott