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Photovoltaic Quartz Glass

Photovoltaic Quartz Glass

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Introduction to Quartz Glass for Solar Cell Production

Photovoltaic (PV) quartz glass refers to the specialized high-purity fused silica components used in the manufacturing chain of solar cells, primarily for holding and processing silicon wafers during high-temperature thermal steps. The requirements for PV-grade quartz, while slightly less stringent than the absolute purity demanded by advanced microelectronics, still necessitate a very high degree of chemical inertness, mechanical stability, and excellent resistance to thermal shock. The key focus in the PV industry is on cost-effectiveness and large-scale manufacturing capacity, making components like large quartz crucibles for crystal growth, furnace tubes, and high-volume wafer carriers the most critical products. Our PV quartz is engineered to deliver reliable performance in the 1100∘C to 1450∘C temperature range required for diffusion and crystal pulling processes. We supply massive, custom-sized quartz crucibles for the Czochralski (Cz) method and square crucibles for directional solidification (casting) of multi-crystalline silicon. Furthermore, we provide large-diameter quartz tubes and liners for horizontal diffusion furnaces, which are essential for creating the p-n junction in the silicon wafer. The quality of the PV quartz directly influences the minority carrier lifetime and conversion efficiency of the final solar cell. Therefore, we maintain strict controls over trace elements, especially Fe and Ti, which can be detrimental to solar cell efficiency. Our manufacturing capabilities are geared towards high-throughput production, ensuring consistent supply of large, complex components necessary for the global, rapidly expanding solar energy industry. We also collaborate with PV equipment manufacturers to optimize the design of process vessels, aiming to maximize wafer throughput and minimize the thermal mass for energy-efficient operation. This focus on scale, purity, and thermal stability ensures our quartz glass remains a foundational element in high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing globally. The components we supply are designed for long cycles of repeated high-temperature use, offering an optimal balance between material cost and operational lifespan in a highly price-sensitive market.

Key Specifications for Solar Grade Components

PV quartz glass components must meet specific material and dimensional specifications to ensure high-yield, cost-effective solar cell production.

Parameter PV Grade Requirement Value/Limit Tolerance/Remark
SiO2​ Purity High Purity Level ≥99.99% Sufficient for commercial solar cell efficiency.
Trace Element Limit (Fe,Ti) Strictly Controlled <5ppm for bulk components Key elements that degrade carrier lifetime.
Crucible OD (Largest) Industrial Scale 32inch to 40inch Required for large mono-Si ingots.
Wall Thickness Uniformity High Uniformity ±1.5mm (Large Crucibles) Ensures consistent thermal profile in the melt.
Operating Temperature High-Temp Process Up to 1450∘C (Cz pull) Must resist creep and contamination diffusion.
Thermal Cycling Resistance Robust Designed for hundreds of cycles Critical for diffusion furnace tubes and boats.
Surface Finish Cleaned and Fire Polished Ra (Roughness average) <0.5μm Minimizes particle contamination on wafer surface.
Boat/Carrier Dimensions High Precision ±0.1mm (Wafer spacing) Necessary for automated wafer handling.

For PV quartz, the control of specific transition metals like Fe and Ti is more economically prioritized than the ultra-trace levels required by the SEMI standard, allowing for a more cost-effective material selection. However, the dimensional control for large components is extremely challenging. For the large quartz crucibles (often >800mm in diameter), maintaining a uniform wall thickness across the entire structure is essential to manage the heat radiation and convection currents in the molten silicon, directly affecting the quality of the grown ingot. We use advanced rotational molding techniques combined with automated laser scanning to ensure the geometry is perfect. For the quartz boats used in diffusion furnaces, maintaining precise wafer spacing (±0.1mm) is vital for uniform dopant diffusion across the entire wafer batch, a key factor in achieving high-efficiency cells. We provide documentation including material certificates of analysis and dimensional inspection reports. The dual-layer structure of our Cz crucibles—a clear inner layer for purity and an opaque outer layer for thermal insulation/strength—is a highly technical feature that is optimized for maximum thermal efficiency and crystal yield, making our specifications a benchmark for the industry.

Applications in Solar Cell Manufacturing

Photovoltaic quartz glass components are essential consumables used primarily in the front-end processing of both mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline solar cells.

  • Mono-crystalline Silicon (Cz Process):
    • Large Quartz Crucibles: Used to hold the molten silicon (up to 200kg mass) from which the single crystal ingot is pulled in the Czochralski furnace. The crucible is the primary contact surface for the molten silicon.
  • Multi-crystalline Silicon (Casting Process):
    • Quartz Liners/Square Crucibles: Used as high-purity liners inside the graphite mold during the directional solidification (casting) of multi-crystalline silicon blocks.
  • Wafer Surface Modification (Diffusion):
    • Horizontal Furnace Tubes and Liners: Creating the high-temperature, controlled atmosphere for P-N junction formation using phosphorus diffusion.
    • Wafer Carriers (Boats/Sleds): Transporting high volumes of silicon wafers through the diffusion furnace.
  • Thin Film Solar:
    • Quartz Substrates/Plates: Used as the base material for certain specialized thin-film deposition processes requiring high heat or UV resistance.
  • High-Temperature Annealing:
    • Components used in annealing furnaces to repair lattice damage or activate dopants in the PV wafer structure.

The massive scale of PV manufacturing requires components that are not only pure but also robust and available in high volumes. Our manufacturing capacity is specifically scaled to meet the gigawatt-level production demands of leading solar manufacturers. We focus on minimizing wear and tear on the components to maximize their service life, thus improving the overall production economics for the solar industry. The component must survive long, continuous heating cycles without introducing performance-degrading contaminants or losing dimensional integrity.

Advantages for High-Volume PV Manufacturing

Our PV quartz glass provides distinct advantages that directly support the industry's need for lower cost per watt and higher conversion efficiency.

  • Cost-Effective Purity Balance: We optimize the material purity to meet the rigorous requirements of solar cell efficiency without over-specifying, thus providing a higher-value, more cost-effective product compared to using overly expensive SEMI-grade quartz for all applications.
  • Large-Scale Manufacturing Capability: We are one of the few global manufacturers capable of consistently producing and supplying the massive 36inch and 40inch crucibles required by the latest generation of crystal pulling machines, ensuring our clients can scale their mono-Si ingot production efficiently.
  • Optimized Thermal Performance (Dual-Layer Crucible): Our Cz crucibles feature the engineered clear inner layer and opaque outer layer, maximizing thermal control and insulation to optimize crystal growth kinetics, resulting in higher quality, more consistent silicon ingots.
  • High Resistance to Sagging/Creep: Through precise control of material structure and wall thickness uniformity, our large furnace tubes and crucibles exhibit minimal deformation under sustained high temperatures, ensuring reliable operation over extended service intervals.
  • Trace Element Control: We specifically monitor and limit trace elements like Fe and Ti (known carrier lifetime killers) to guaranteed ppb/ppm levels, protecting the electrical performance of the final solar cell.
  • Robust Packaging and Logistics: Our logistics expertise in handling and shipping massive, fragile quartz crucibles globally minimizes transit damage and ensures timely supply, which is critical for continuous 24/7 crystal growth operations.
  • Customization for Automated Handling: Quartz carriers and tubes are fabricated with precise dimensions to interface smoothly with automated loading and transfer systems common in high-volume PV wafer fabs, minimizing breakage and maximizing throughput.

By partnering with us, PV manufacturers gain a reliable supply of high-performance quartz components that are crucial for achieving ambitious efficiency targets and competitive manufacturing costs.

Trade Terms and Supply Chain Management

The PV industry requires predictable supply and tailored logistical solutions due to the size and volume of the components. Our terms reflect this industrial demand.

  • Payment Requirements: We accept T/T (Wire Transfer) as the standard payment method. Given the large capital outlay for PV consumables, we often negotiate 30% deposit on order with the 70% balance due upon the final production completion notice (pre-shipment). For approved, long-term PV customers, we can extend favorable payment terms such as L/C at Sight or tiered credit terms based on volume history.
  • Heavy-Duty Packaging: Large quartz crucibles and furnace tubes are packaged in custom-built, shock-absorbing wooden crates that are structurally engineered for stacking and sea freight. Smaller components are secured in high-density foam within reinforced cartons. All packaging is moisture-resistant and clearly labeled as fragile, industrial-grade components.
  • Shipping Logistics: Sea Freight is the most common method for large volume PV quartz under FOB (Free On Board) or CFR (Cost and Freight) terms due to the massive size and weight. We coordinate delivery to all major global ports. Air freight is available for small, urgent replacements. We utilize professional freight forwarders experienced in handling oversized, fragile cargo to ensure safe delivery.
  • Supply Lead Time: Lead times for mass-produced items like diffusion tubes are typically 4-6 weeks. Large, custom-molded 36inch and 40inch crucibles require 6-10 weeks due to the specialized manufacturing and cooling cycle. We encourage annual volume contracts with rolling forecasts to guarantee inventory and secure favorable pricing.
  • Volume Assurance and Risk Management: We offer contractual assurances on supply capacity. Our comprehensive cargo insurance policy covers the full replacement value against transit damage, a critical factor for securing the supply chain of large-scale PV operations. We provide all necessary export documentation, including origin and material certification.

Essential Frequently Asked Questions on PV Quartz

  • Q: What is the single most damaging contaminant in PV quartz glass?

    A: Iron (Fe) is widely considered the most damaging contaminant in PV quartz glass. During high-temperature processing, Fe can diffuse into the silicon, forming recombination centers that dramatically reduce the minority carrier lifetime. This directly translates to a lower current output and reduced overall conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Our PV quartz is rigorously controlled to minimize the Fe content well below the critical threshold established by industry standards, prioritizing the electrical performance of the final device.

  • Q: How many times can a large quartz crucible be used for Cz crystal pulling?

    A: Large quartz crucibles used in the standard Cz method for mono-Si growth are generally single-use consumables. During the melt and pull cycle, the molten silicon reacts with the inner SiO2​ surface, causing the quartz to dissolve and form SiO gas and a thin layer of SiO2​ precipitates. This reaction consumes the inner purity layer and compromises the structural integrity, making reuse impractical and a high risk for ingot contamination and failure on subsequent pulls. A new, certified-pure crucible is required for every ingot pull to ensure consistent quality and yield.

  • Q: Does the opaque outer layer of the crucible affect light transmission?

    A: Yes, but this is an intended design feature. The opaque outer layer contains deliberately introduced air bubbles, which serve two functions: they scatter radiant heat, effectively acting as an insulator to prevent rapid heat loss, and they improve the mechanical strength of the crucible wall at high temperatures. The inner layer, which contacts the melt, is the clear, high-purity quartz. This dual-layer design optimizes the thermal gradient in the silicon melt, which is critical for high-quality crystal growth, ensuring efficient pulling and high ingot yield.

  • Q: What is the main cause of failure for quartz diffusion furnace tubes in PV fabs?

    A: The most common failure mode is devitrification (crystallization) of the quartz surface, typically initiated by contact with alkali metal vapors (e.g., Na or K from dust or handling) or high temperatures. This causes the surface to turn white and rough, leading to particle shedding and potential cracking. To mitigate this, we recommend regular, scheduled acid etching to remove the compromised surface layer and strict cleanroom protocols during handling and maintenance.

From Made-in-China to
Global Smart Manufacturing

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in the production of quartz and special glass products. Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is the production plant of Jinzhou Mingde Quartz Glass Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu, Since its establishment, the company has developed rapidly, introduced advanced technology and production equipment at home and abroad, and continuously improved and improved product quality. Relying on its own advantages, we have developed a variety of products suitable for the market and meet the needs of different customers, and solved many urgent production problems for our customers.

The company's products include quartz glass tubes, double-hole quartz glass tubes, quartz glass rods, quartz sheets, sapphire windows, calcium fluoride glass windows, infrared ultraviolet coatings, high-pressure resistant aluminosilicate glass window panels, quartz glass instruments, high borosilicate glass instruments, quartz crucibles, quartz gold-plated tubes, quartz heaters, quartz infrared heating tubes, far-infrared directional radiation heaters ultraviolet germicidal lamps and other special types of quartz glass products.

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd.
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