Photovoltaics

Driving panel performance up and costs down
Amid fossil fuel scarcity and environmental awareness, the global solar photovoltaic end-market is undergoing rapid expansion with increasing cost-per-watt competitiveness. Photovoltaic manufacturers are looking for partners to help develop and deploy new technologies that create higher efficiency and lower the cost of produced electricity per watt. For Air Liquide, the worldwide leader in gas supply to the photovoltaic industry, there’s never been a better time to shine.

 

Higher efficiency photovoltaic systems for lower cost


As the world turns to renewables, solar photovoltaic system installation has been steadily increasing. The global solar photovoltaic end-market has maintained double-digit growth in certain geographies, with various financial supports from governments.

After a long period of evolution, solar photovoltaic manufacturing has split into two main fields: crystalline silicon (c-Si) with 90% of the global production, and thin film (TF) solar.

Innovation for a brighter future

To provide more affordable solar energy, the entire photovoltaic supply chain is in need of new materials and technologies that drive panel performance up and costs down.

Partnering with the photovoltaic industry to innovate and create new materials


Our recent investment in a crystalline silicon solar cells demonstration and pilot production line, extensive R&D and academic collaborations, and innovative product offerings, are just some examples of our work in the field.

As a result, we are able to respond promptly with the right solution for technology problems and, most important of all, create value for our customers.

Turnkey solutions for the photovoltaic industry

Since investing in monosilane production in Japan for the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries in 1987, we have been committed to accompanying the industry towards sustainability, profitability and growth.

A leading supplier across the entire photovoltaic supply chain

In all geographies close to its customers, our offer reconciles safety, reliability of supply with competitive costs. Air Liquide assures a safe, uninterrupted supply of materials and products that include:
  • Carrier Gas in Crolles 38

    Electronics Carrier Gas

    Ultra high purity gases (on-site or truck-in) including nitrogen, hydrogen, helium and argon
  • Specialty materials in Chalon-sur-Saône 03

    Electronics Specialty Materials

    Electronics specialty materials (also called specialty gases) such as silane, ammoniac, and nitrous oxide.
  • Advanced materials in Chalon-sur-Saône 42

    Electronics Advanced Materials

    Electronics advanced materials for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) such as germane, boron tribromide and aluminum precursors.
  • Analytical Services in Crolles 13

    Analytical Services

    Worldwide analytical services to improve our customers’ process and production yields
  • Equipment & Installations in Crolles

    Installation and Equipment

    Design, manufacture and installation of all necessary fluid and gas distribution, purification and on-line purity control equipment
Supplying photovoltaic parks

 

  1. ​Air Liquide supplies air gases (nitrogen, argon, etc.), specialty gases (silane, ammoniac, etc.), and advanced precursors.
     
  2. These gases and precursors are used to:
    - etch silicon wafers
    - render them semiconducting, i.e., able to produce electricity via the diffusion of phosphorus
    - cover them with an anti-reflection coating to maximize light transmission
    - improve yields with innovative coatings
    - The challenge is to provide efficient precursors that allow manufacturers to optimize their production costs and, in so doing, make photovoltaic electricity competitive.
     
  3. The use of solar energy to meet the electricity needs – of individuals, power plants, remote sites, etc. – is on the rise.