ULVAC’s PV business solution is a total package of what we can offer to customers to make high-performance and reliable solar cells.

Fundamental Development

With ULVAC’s amorphous silicon*1 (a-Si)/microcrystalline (μc-Si) silicon tandem*2 line, our standard module generates the power output of 130Wp. In our in-house study, we constantly produce the modules with the initial power output of 150Wp, stabilized power output of 135Wp, and have achieved as high as 155Wp at this moment.
This is a result from the long history or experience with vacuum technology and the developments of new technology in this field.
We provide customers with proven and reliable equipments using ULVAC’s cutting edge technologies. We strive for the one-and-only manufacturer in the world.

Equipment Manufacturing

ULVAC is a leading equipment supplier for thin film solar cell manufacturing. ULVAC’s development in thin film solar cell manufacturing began as early as 1980s, since that time ULVAC has accumulated extensive experience and knowledge on thin film solar cell fabrication.

ULVAC offers a complete turnkey production line of a-Si and μc-Si tandem junction thin-film solar cells. The turnkey line allows our customers to produce solar panels right after installing the equipment, shortening the time to bring the product to the market and the time to ramp factory output.

a-Si/μc-Si Tandem Solar Cell Manufacturing Processes

ULVAC's Equipment for Microcrystalline Silicon Layer

ULVAC has developed and launched the new PE-CVD System “CIM-1400” for microcrystal silicon film utilized in tandem turnkey line. This is the only system in the world with outstanding production capability. Incorporated with this equipment, conversion efficiency has increased and manufacturing cost per watt (Wp) has reduced compared with a-Si solar cell modules.

Customer Support

ULVAC has factories and offices throughout the world providing support locally. The international presence of ULVAC speaks for extraordinary treatment of customer requests. On the basis of other internationally located support branches we ensure local customer service on any continent. Cooperation and local facilities for repairs and refurbishments as well as customized production or modifications enable a full range of service performance which has become one of the most important subjects in production nowadays.

ULVAC has a complete turnkey demonstration line (1,100 x 1,400mm) installed at Chigasaki, Japan headquarters in order to help our customers continuously improve their process and production efficiency. With this manufacturing line, ULVAC has the capability to make full modules and evaluate characteristics. Aside from supporting customer’s process and production, this line is also used to develop new and innovative PV technology.

ULVAC's Certification Testing Laboratory, which has been appointed by TUV Rheinland, can be utilized to perform testing according to the applicable standards for the solar cell modules. The laboratory will be able to test based on IEC61646, 61730 and 61215 and these equipments also allow to test and verify new materials, which will eventually lead to more cost effective solar cells.

ULVAC has acquired IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) certification from TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd. passing both 61646 and 61730 tests for its standard 1,100mm x 1,400mm size thin film photovoltaic module. Customers who buy the turnkey line can apply for a so-called "Fast Track Certification Program," which is TUV Rheinland's certification service that greatly reduces the time which it takes to certify a solar module giving a competitive advantage. The utilization of ULVAC's testing laboratory by completing the preliminary tests will ensure that the tests will be completed in the fastest time possible.