Advantages of Properly Cleaned Glass Substrates

Q. I have previously worked on CdTe solar cells in academia and DSC in industry and currently work with industry on collaborative R&D projects across materials science. I would like further information on the advantages of properly cleaned/prepared glass substrates and it’s effects of module/cell performance.

A. Proper cleaning of substrates for CdTe cell and module manufacturing improves yield of cells and modules.  Residues on glass substrates degrade semiconductor properties of the cell, sometimes to the point of being rejected.  Residues on glass substrates can degrade long term performance of modules, sometimes causing warranty claims.

Visit our Photovoltaic and Solar Cleaning industry page for more information on the cleaners recommended for different surfaces and soils. You can also ask our cleaning experts a technical cleaning question at Ask Alconox.