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This page shows all inspection solutions for solar wafers and cells

ISRA GP cell inspection

Inspection solutions for solar wafers and cells

  • Increased output: Achieve maximum yield with fully exploited production potential
  • Saved resources: Optimum use of material, equipment, and engineering times 
  • Complete process transparency: Anticipate process weaknesses early
  • Highest inspection standards for the entire manufacturing chain
  • Production & process security: Integration expertise from MW to GW sites
  • Fast service and on-site support

Wafer and Cell

The ideal system for every process step – Solar wafer and cell inspection solutions from ISRA VISION / GP Solar 

The demand for ever more powerful cells is growing at an almost unstoppable rate. At the same time, manufacturers need the best quality with maximum throughput to be able to produce economically.  

With our unique inspection portfolio, we ensure meeting all quality requirements while envisioning full production transparency not only at the system or line level, but also across entire sites. You benefit from maximum efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Our wafer and cell solutions are powered by our brand:

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Discover our solutions - Geometry & Contour Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
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Geometry & Contour Inspection

geometry contour inspection

Detect edge distortions and geometric irregularities in less than one second cycle times. Our inspection systems sort the inspected wafers into different quality classes based on their geometric properties. Wafers that do not meet the desired quality can thus be removed before further processing – ensuring high quality for excellent module effectiveness and permanently reduced warranty costs.

The "Copy-Exact" calibration concept lets users quickly transfer inspection recipes and settings between production lines. This ensures a uniform inspection standard and reduces the system set-up workload.

Benefits

Save process resources - reject bad wafers at the start

Proceed only good wafers from the start to enable the best cell efficiency at the end

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Incoming quality control of full square wafers or half-cut samples

  • Check for any breakage or damage to the outer contour

  • Use of matrix cameras to ensure perfect reliability of measured dimensional accuracy

  • Efficient: Evaluate two or more half cells with only one image acquisition 

  • Precise metrological calibration traceable to national standards

  • Seamless integration into Connected PV for central recipe management and factory defect yield and effect overview

Typical defects

  • Dimensional defects: non-rectangularity (angles <>90°), size mismatch (edge lengths <> specified value), chamfer length deviations

  • Contour defects: intrusions, V-breaks, breakage, chippings

Technical data

  • Solutions for on-the-fly measurement and stop-and-go automation

    • On the fly, checks only geometry and contour

    • Stop & Go, combined with surface inspection

    • On the fly, edge chippings, combined with micro-crack

Discover our solutions - Microcrack Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
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Microcrack Inspection 

NANO D bottom up

Microcracks in wafers or cells can cause breakage during downstream processes or in the finished module. This can result in reduced production throughput or degraded performance in the field. Non-contact crack detection technology identifies affected wafers and cells without mechanically stressing the material. Immediate ejection lowers processing costs and boosts resource-efficient production.

Benefits

Increase production throughput - eliminate downtime caused by broken silicon wafers

Save resources – use material and machines to process only wafers that do not break

Improve your processes: identify (handling) equipment that introduces cracks, and fix them to reduce line breakage

Reclaim wafers with microcracks – improve manufacturing and wafer handling processes for wafer suppliers

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Incoming quality control of full square wafers or half-/triple-cut samples
  • Check for microcracks at any process step (not possible with full area metal, no inspection at metal-covered positions (e.g., below busbars/finger grid)  

  • Unique illumination technology to make the smallest microcracks visible

  • Very sensitive to small edge chippings as they occur due to combined laser/mechanical separation of half- and triple-cut wafers  

Typical defects

  • Microcracks

  • Contour Defects: intrusions, V-breaks, breakage, chippings

Technical data

  • NANO-D for on-the-fly crack detection

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Discover our solutions - Surface Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Surface Inspection 

geometry contour inspection

Innovative inspection technology reliably and repeatedly detects visual defects such as stains, fingerprints, or chips on the surface of as-cut wafers. With its multi-image capture technology, the system can reliably detect even low-contrast defects, enabling 100% monitoring of wafer production. It classifies the wafers into different quality classes based on the data collected.

Line-scan camera technology allows on-the-fly inspection with a moving sample, enabling the highest throughput.

Benefits

Save resources – use material and machines to process only good wafers

Increase efficiency and identify process weaknesses early: modify (handling) equipment that causes contaminations or damages

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Incoming quality control of full square wafers or half-/triple-cut samples

  • Inspection of the wafer surface for even low-contrast visual defects and visible contamination and damage 

  • Reporting of the count, size, and position for each defect type

Typical defects

  • Stains, fingerprints, dust particles, scratches, watermarks, and other visible surface defects

Technical data

  • WAF-Q: Stop & Go, surface inspection combined with contour check and precise dimensional check

  • WAF-Q SCAN: on-the-fly, surface and contour inspection only

Discover our solutions - Texturing Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
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Texturing Inspection 

surface inspection scan

Texture strongly influences the color appearance and the efficiency of the finished cell. Defective and insufficiently textured wafers that are overlooked here take up valuable machine resources in the subsequent process steps.

The TEX-Q inspection system precisely monitors the cell surface for contamination and defects while checking the texturing for homogeneity and reflectivity. The cameras can also be fitted beneath the roller transport.

Benefits

Save resources: identify texturing problems early in the line

Quickly counteract any process deviations

Remove bad cells early in time, avoid cost-intensive further processing

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Texturing quality monitoring: Inspection of homogeneity and reflectivity 

  • Check for contaminations and defects, long-term drifts

  • Connected PV "boat view": trace back faulty cells to carrier, machine, and chemical bath 

  • Cycle times <0.7 sec for the highest throughputs 

  • Line scan technology for the highest sensitivity  

Typical defects

  • Flow marks ("comets")

  • Dark spots

  • Flow patterns

  • Contaminations 

  • Texture inhomogeneity

Technical data

  • Line scan camera technology for easy integration into on-the-fly processes

  • Suitable for every texture: alkaline, acidic, MCCE (black silicon)

  • Inspection of wafer sizes from M6 to M12+

Discover our solutions - Color & Coating Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Color & Coating Inspection 

coating inspection

Homogeneous color and coating are a prerequisite for homogeneous modules.

Color and defect inspection with COL-Q immediately after the coating process ensures fast intervention in the case of color deviations. CELL-Q checks the color and coating quality during the final inspection and sorts the cells into different performance classes based on their optical properties.

Benefits

Improve efficiency and quality: Achieve direct process feedback and act on process deviations

Save print paste metallization cost by sorting out defective cells in time

Examine the possibility of reworking to improve yield

Accelerate your ramp-up with Connected PV

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Inspection of color (HSV color model based on RGB color measurement)

  • Inspection of coating thickness (use a physical model to calculate a layer thickness)

  • PRO Matrix systems: full camera resolution at 2 Bit color depth - no interpolation

  • Detection of inhomogeneous samples 

  • Inspection of the bottom side with the line-scan system without flipping

  • ConnectedPV "Boat View": trace back defective samples to the individual boat/furnace/tube/position in the process

Typical defects

  • Coating defects, inhomogeneities, wrong coating thickness

Technical data

  • On-the-fly inspection with up to 1,500 mm/s (resolution 2k), up to 2,000 mm/s (1k)

  • Unrivaled color repeatability of < 0.5 deg (H), <0.5 % (S,V)

Higher efficiency in photovoltaic production: calibration is the basis for a global quality standard.

Discover how precise calibration of your inspection systems lays the foundation for ensuring identical quality standards across different lines, plants and locations using globally valid settings.
 

Download technical paper

Download additional information

Discover our solutions - Print Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Print Inspection 

print pattern monitoring

Printing solar cells is one of the most expensive process steps in the cell production chain. Therefore, detecting process deviations at an early stage is crucial.

Discover the market-leading print pattern monitoring and inspect reliably at the highest line speeds. Identify and classify low-micron discontinuities and deliver cells of the highest quality.

Benefits

Immediate detection of print defects, which sometimes are only cosmetic, but can lead to loss of efficiency

Small footprint - integration on rotary table possible

Shortest ramp-up times with Connected PV

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Inspection of each printing step directly on a rotary table or immediately following the print table unloading

  • Inspection of the print pattern features based on a CAD-like model of the print pattern 

  • Detection and quantification of deviations from the expected print pattern design

  • Higher accuracy than pattern matching from a teched pattern 

  • Print alignment control - check that the print is correctly aligned with other structures on the cell (laser contact openings, selective emitter structures, and others)

  • Fast breakage signal in case of wafer breakage to avoid consequential misprinting

  • Feedback of print position, busbar position, and other information to automation for use as feedback loop input for automatic print adjustment or positioning of IV tester contact bars in final sorting

Typical defects

  • Finger interrupts, thinnings, slubs, nodes, paste stains, and smearings, missing paste on busbar

  • Measurement of local finger-width, incl. probe regions, for comparison with offline data

  • Measurement of print position and misalignment with other structures

  • Special set of defects for IBC cell print patterns (bridging and others) 

Technical data

  • < 0.7 sec cycle time for a single image (print and fiducials only) in PRINT-Q

  • < 0.6 sec cycle time for a single image (print and fiducials) in PRINT-Q SCAN

Precise alignment across the entire solar cell enhances efficiency and performance.

Optical inspection systems from ISRA VISION / GP Solar inspect the alignment across the entire cell and even detect local deviations. The systems use a flexible lighting concept to maximize the visibility of contrasts between the layers. In addition, they come with proven software solutions that reduce time-consuming adjustments due to changes in the samples to be produced.

Learn in our technical paper how data on production deviations form the basis for optimizing production parameters.

Download technical paper

Higher efficiency in photovoltaic production: calibration is the basis for a global quality standard.

Discover how precise calibration of your inspection systems lays the foundation for ensuring identical quality standards across different lines, plants and locations using globally valid settings.
 

Download technical paper

Download additional information

Discover our solutions - Plating Inspection

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Plating Inspection 

print pattern monitoring

Flawless plating improves conductivity and increases the efficiency of the solar cell. Careful quality control and monitoring are essential to ensure solar cells are uniformly plated. Manufacturers must quickly identify inhomogeneities, surface adhesion problems, and contaminations before affecting quality. This ensures high durability and prevents efficiency loss.

Benefits

Immediate detection of plating defects, which sometimes are simply cosmetic, but can lead to severe efficiency loss

Shortest ramp-up times and easy-to-implement global quality settings with Connected PV

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • After plating inspection of the contact pattern features, based on a CAD-like model of the pattern

  • Higher accuracy than pattern matching from a teched pattern

  • Detection of typical plating defects like ghost-plating and detached fingers

  • Measurement of contact grid position 

  • Detection and quantification of deviations from the expected pattern design

  • Contact grid quality inspection with all of the above also in the final sorting

Typical defects

  • Finger interrupts, thinnings, slubs, nodes, stains, ghost plating, missing plating

  • Measurement of local finger-width, incl. probe regions, for comparison with offline data

  • Measurement of print position and misalignment with other structures

Technical data

  • < 0.7 sec cycle time for a single image (grid and fiducials only) in PRINT-Q

  • < 0.6 sec cycle time for a single image (grid and fiducials) in PRINT-Q SCAN

Precise alignment across the entire solar cell enhances efficiency and performance.

Optical inspection systems from ISRA VISION / GP Solar inspect the alignment across the entire cell and even detect local deviations. The systems use a flexible lighting concept to maximize the visibility of contrasts between the layers. In addition, they come with proven software solutions that reduce time-consuming adjustments due to changes in the samples to be produced.

Learn in our technical paper how data on production deviations form the basis for optimizing production parameters.

Download technical paper

Higher efficiency in photovoltaic production: calibration is the basis for a global quality standard.

Discover how precise calibration of your inspection systems lays the foundation for ensuring identical quality standards across different lines, plants and locations using globally valid settings.
 

Download technical paper

Download additional information

Discover our solutions - Pattern & Structure Inspection

Back to top
Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Pattern & Structure Inspection 

print pattern monitoring

For high-performance cells such as IBCs (Interdigitated Back Contact), the perfect alignment of the individual layers is a prerequisite for realizing the full cell performance potential.

Even the slightest shift in the pattern or structure will result in a loss of cell efficiency. 

Our inspection solutions for patterns and structures not only detect optical defects such as finger breaks but also check the correct alignment and position of the different layers in relation to each other.

Benefits

Instant process feedback to quickly identify and correct process weaknesses

Shortest ramp-up times and easy-to-implement global quality settings with Connected PV 

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Controlling the pattern accuracy of structured layers directly after structuring: detect deviations from the desired form and the desired position of the pattern

  • Inspection of pattern features based on a CAD-like model of the pattern, or special "no teaching" algorithms

  • Inspect patterned layers, e.g., for IBC cell fabrication: printed, plasma or chemically deposited, laser structured, shadow mask evaporated, or any other type of patterned layer

  • Obtain information on the color, thickness, and optical quality of the layer

Typical defects

  • Interrupts, thinnings, nodes, slubs, bridgings, holes, misalignment of the pattern

  • Thickness deviation, color deviation of the layer

  • Positioning of the pattern on the wafer relative to underlying structures

Technical data

  • On-the-fly or stop-and-go measurement is possible, depending on layer, pattern, and application

  • Solutions: 

    • PRINT-Q SE for simple pattern inspection

    • PRINT-Q SCAN for simple pattern inspection on-the-fly

    • PRINT-Q SBD for pattern, layer, and full-area alignment control

    • CELL-Q for final sorting 

Precise alignment across the entire solar cell enhances efficiency and performance.

Optical inspection systems from ISRA VISION / GP Solar inspect the alignment across the entire cell and even detect local deviations. The systems use a flexible lighting concept to maximize the visibility of contrasts between the layers. In addition, they come with proven software solutions that reduce time-consuming adjustments due to changes in the samples to be produced.

Learn in our technical paper how data on production deviations form the basis for optimizing production parameters.

Download technical paper

Higher efficiency in photovoltaic production: calibration is the basis for a global quality standard.

Discover how precise calibration of your inspection systems lays the foundation for ensuring identical quality standards across different lines, plants and locations using globally valid settings.
 

Download technical paper

Download additional information

Discover our solutions - Final Inspection & Classification

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Final Inspection & Classification 

final cell sorting

Cell sorting at the end of the line is mandatory for high-value modules of homogenous color. 

The CELL-Q inline inspection system checks the front or back of solar cells and sorts them into different color and quality classes according to their optical properties. In a single inspection step, CELL-Q checks every solar cell's print quality and anti-reflection coating.

Any print and color defects on all cell technologies are reliably detected. Additionally, CELL-Q identifies visible surface and contour defects to ensure that only homogeneous cells regarding color and performance are processed within one module.

Benefits

Proven and reliable calibration concept

Equal performance across lines with a single central recipe

Shortest ramp-up times and easy-to-implement global quality settings with Connected PV

Features, typical defects and technical data

Features

  • Sorting of cells in color classes

  • Sorting of cells according to the optical quality of the contact grid

  • Separate result classes for color class and optical quality

  • Multi-view technology with up to 4 images for the highest detection rates and lowest overkill 

  • Handover of busbar positions for pre-positioning of the IV contact bars

Typical defects

  • Color defects: discolorations, inhomogeneities

  • Surface defects: stains, fingerprints, scratches

  • Grid defects: interruptions, thinnings, slubs, nodes, stains, smearings, mispositioning

Technical data

  • Even for wafer sizes over 210 mm

  • Recipe Copy-Exact

  • LightDome Technology for the highest isotropy and homogeneity

  • Multi-view Technology for the highest sensitivity in surface defect detection 

  • Image analysis on Cumulative Defect Overlay Image

Precise alignment across the entire solar cell enhances efficiency and performance.

Optical inspection systems from ISRA VISION / GP Solar inspect the alignment across the entire cell and even detect local deviations. The systems use a flexible lighting concept to maximize the visibility of contrasts between the layers. In addition, they come with proven software solutions that reduce time-consuming adjustments due to changes in the samples to be produced.

Learn in our technical paper how data on production deviations form the basis for optimizing production parameters.

Download technical paper

Higher efficiency in photovoltaic production: calibration is the basis for a global quality standard.

Discover how precise calibration of your inspection systems lays the foundation for ensuring identical quality standards across different lines, plants and locations using globally valid settings.
 

Download technical paper

Download additional information

Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)

Back to top
Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / Connected Photovoltaics (CPV)
Service & Training
Contact Us

Data Analytics / CPV 

Connected PV web 16 9

To be an industry leader in the production of photovoltaic cells, companies must offer more than impeccable product quality: Perfectly coordinated processes across systems, production lines, and factories are the basis for maximum profitability, reliability, and short downtimes.

To achieve this, we have developed Connected Photovoltaics 4.0. This cloud-based software solution connects inspection systems, enabling consistent quality settings across all production facilities. It creates transparency, improves process control, and increases the profitability of PV production sites.

With its software features, Connected PV 4.0 meets the key challenges of PV manufacturing.

Central Recipe Tool

The Central Recipe Tool (CRT) allows recipe changes, including version control and approvals, to be made centrally. Identical settings are rolled out to all lines at the click of a mouse. CRT makes plants with identical quality settings comparable.

EPROMI live

The software tool EPROMI live – Enterprise Production Management Intelligence is the latest feature of Connected PV.

EPROMI live makes data analysis much more intuitive, and flexibly adaptable to your needs. With EPROMI live, you browse your production data the way you want and wherever you want: in maximum depth of detail and comprehensive data differentiation or briefly summarized, always independent of device and location. Individually configured dashboards provide the desired information at a glance and ensure 100% production and quality transparency for PV manufacturers. 

Benefits

Maximum process transparency: Live view production status from the first day on

Analysis of consistent data for best management decisions

Fast identification of underperforming processes: Achieve higher yield by fine-tuning processes immediately

Configurable dashboards

Device and location independent access to production data

Features

  • Company-wide connection of all inspection systems to:

    • Collect continuous data for real-time process analysis

    • Visualize and analyze live consistent production data from all systems

    • Compare machine and production performance based on identical quality settings 

Download additional information

Discover our solutions - Service & Training

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Geometry & Contour Inspection
Microcrack Inspection
Surface Inspection
Texturing Inspection
Color & Coating Inspection
Print Inspection
Plating Inspection
Pattern & Structure Inspection
Final Inspection & Classification
Data Analytics / CPV
Service & Training
Contact Us

Customer service & training

Service

For the efficient and future-proof operation of your production systems our highly qualified service teams support you globally in all matters. We provide the implementation, maintenance and servicing as well as the analysis and optimization of your systems - quickly, reliably, 24/7. 

Visit our service center and request your customized service solution. 

Furthermore, learn in the ISRA VISION Academy how our competent trainers always keep your employees up to date with the latest knowledge so that system operators, product engineers and quality managers become real inspection experts.

Visit our ISRA VISION Academy and book your individual and scalable trainings.

Contact us

Tom Thieme

Business Unit Sales Manager

Richard-Willstätter-Straße 14
12489 , Berlin
germany

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ISRA VISION GmbH

Industriestraße 14, 64297 Darmstadt, Germany +49 (6151) 948-0 [email protected]

United States / EN