PureAire Reviews the Increasing Demand for Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

The increased demand of solar panels from consumers has kept solar panel manufacturers very busy. In fact, Photovoltaic production has been doubling every 2 years. As people become more environmentally conscious, solar technology will become more common. PureAire’s president, Al Carrino has worked in the high-tech industry and semiconductors since the early 1980’s. Currently he has been working to expand gas detection for NF₃ and Hydrides by partnering with solar (PV) manufacturers. As a leading gas monitoring manufacturer, PureAire’s systems have been gaining recognition with solar cell manufacturing companies.

The solar cell begins with a Silica (SiO₂) wafer. The gases used in production to etch, clean, and develop the solar cells are: Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF₃), Ammonia (NH₃), Fluorine (F₂), Silane (Sih₄), Phosphine (PH₃), Diborane (B₂H₆), Hydrogen (H₂), and some other various gases. PureAire continues to manufacturer the best performing NF₃ gas monitor because it has no cross sensitivities to pump fluids or Freon. As demand for manufacturing silicon wafer PV cells increases, there will be higher demand for gas monitors needed for employee safety and leak protection.

Recently Denver International Airport (DIA) is in the process of the largest Photovoltaic solar panel project. The size is roughly 11 football fields and will supply up to 4% of the power needed at DIA. As the U.S. government begins to see the potential for the future of reducing emissions, solar technology will increase exponentially.

There are three main types of solar cells in production: silicon wafer based (also known as crystalline Si or c-Si), compound crystalline (concentrator PV), and thin-film solar (TFS). Crystalline silicon solar cells are by far the predominant technology, currently accounting for 80-85% of all cells manufactured ¹.

PureAire will continue to manufacture gas monitors and assist within the developmental stages of silicon wafer solar cells. Ideally, PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc. would like to be the leader in gas monitors needed for all manufacturing of solar cells. PureAire’s website is www.pureairemonitoring.com .

1) Hutchison, Katherine & Holland, Peter. (2008). Crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing requires vacuum-based solutions. Retrieved June 2009, from Solid State. http://www.solidstate.com/display_article/319150/5/none/none/Feat/Crystalline-silicon-solar-cell-manufacturing-requires-vacuum-based-solution