Edwards talks PV throughput, environmental improvements

July 21, 2011 -- Mike Allison, executive VP of Edwards, describes how solar photovoltaics (PV) manufacturers are looking to up productivity and drive the cost curve down.

Cost per watt is the main driver, he notes. Edwards has a history making vacuum and abatement systems for the semiconductor industry, and is now expanding these technologies -- for example Edwards' dry pump -- to the photovoltaics manufacturing arena. These advances can improve costs by 20-40%.



Allison wraps up the talk by addressing environment, health, and safety (EHS) in the photovoltaics fab. Abatement is the technology of protecting the outside environment from manufacturing gasses. While the US and Europe are established environmental watchguards, Asia is boosting environmental standards, leading to increased abatement system demand.

The interview took place at Intersolar North America 2011, where Debra Vogler also interviewed Edwards' CEO Matthew Taylor.

Edwards received the 2011 SEMICON West Sustainable Technology Award at co-located SEMICON West. The EZENITH integrated vacuum and abatement system was selected by a panel of industry experts, demonstrating the product?s importance to the industry and the environment.

Subscribe to Photovoltaics World