Since 2009, Lux produces multi crystalline ingots for photovoltaic applications in her plant in Alessandria. Through different cutting operations, the ingots become wafers which are later transformed into multi crystalline cells. The latest become photovoltaic modules, once assembled and welded together.

Lux srl produzione

The production takes place by means of a furnace, in which is inserted a charge of silicon 9N, suitably doped by Boron. The silicon is melted at a temperature of 1470° and then cooled down through a process of directional solidification.

This latter process allows to segregate the impurities in the upper part of the ingot so that they do not affect the efficiency of the cells that will be subsequently obtained. The resulting ingot, weighting 450 kg, it measures 840 x 840 x 270 mm.

The furnace of Lux grants the following advantages and benefits:

  • No movement of the crucible during processing.
  • Bottom and top heaters design allows a controlled crystallization with high efficiency.
  • No side heaters required.
  • The process steps, “Melting”, “Crystallizing”, “Annealing” and “Cool-Down” of solar grade silicon will be performed automatically PLC controlled under vacuum and/or controlled atmosphere.
  • PLC-controlled system is proven for industrial scale networkin of all extended SCU furnace. Software is capable to apply data for a central process control.
  • The furnace chamber allows integration of two sizes of standard crucibles (Gen 4 and 5).
  • Vacuum pumping system with dry fore pump to reduce service and maintenance work.

The ingot growing process is very important in the context of the production of a photovoltaic module from the time when the quality of silicon used and the appropriate doping with Boron determine approximately 80% efficiency of the cell and consequently the power of the module that will be obtained.

Equipments

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SCU400 plus ALD furnace (DSS Directional Solidification System)
The Furnace is used to melt, within a crucible, 450 kg of silicon, which will be solidified in an ingot through a directional solidification process. The sizes of the ingot are ~ 840 x 840 x 270 mm.

Cucibles

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The crucibles used during melting are coated with a nonstick material through an automated process to ensure its uniformity. The process allow to avoid contamination from the crucible.

European Quality

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Lux promotes the development of renewable energy with the first Italian production of multicrystalline ingots, the supply of the products used for the production of photovoltaic modules and the distribution of the modules themselves.