Amtech to intro new technology-solar PSG removal equipment

Intersolar North America 2009, TEMPE, USA: Amtech Systems Inc., a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, today announced that its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, plans to introduce its new PSG removal technology at the Intersolar North America 2009 solar industry trade show (booth #8023), taking place July 14-16 in San Francisco, California.

This newest solar product represents the third product in Amtech’s solar portfolio and, combined with its PECVD tool launched a year ago, will significantly increase the company’s total available market size.

This process step in the manufacturing of solar cells removes phosphosilicate glass (PSG) that naturally occurs during the diffusion process. A vast majority, if not all of existing PSG removal equipment utilizes conventional wet chemistry technology. Amtech’s new technology utilizes a dry chemical process that does not require large quantities of hazardous wet chemicals that impose large disposal burdens, resulting in potential lower cost of ownership.

J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, “The introduction of our third solar production tool is an important milestone for the company, coming approximately one year after the introduction of our PECVD equipment. In addition to the significant benefits of dry chemical technology, this PSG solar product has the potential to contribute to higher cell efficiency, aiding the overall solar market goal of reaching grid parity. As we introduce our PSG removal equipment into the market, we continue to focus on our strategy of further expanding our offerings with the introduction of additional solar products in the future. With a healthy balance sheet and expanded product line, we are determined to emerge from the current recession as a stronger player in solar market.”