Why Solar Cell Texturing is an important Industry Process

The use of alternative energy has long been considered in various industries not just to harness natural energy sources to its optimum potential but as well to promote sustainable development among people. Despite that, the challenge of refining the processes used for these alternative sources continues to linger and still one of the focus of innovators in the manufacturing fields.

In the sector of semiconductor, one important process that has been developed for the industry to use is solar cell texturing. In simple terms, it is a process of ‘roughening’ of the surface of the silicon substrate to minimize reflection. With textured substrate, reflection is reduced by increasing the chances of reflected light bouncing back onto the surface – instead of letting it bounce back to the surrounding air.

Here are some benefits of solar cell texturing

• Efficiency – textured solar cell can generate more energy since there is less that is reflected out into the environment; thus, it is far more efficient than flat silicon substrate.
• Lower cost – the industry of pv manufacturing equipment today continues to engineer products designed to produce textured solar cells that can reduce cost while efficiency remains intact.
• Environment-friendly – green processing plays a crucial role for the attainment of sustainable development and solar cell texturing is one that promotes such advocacy. Alternative energy promotes a cleaner and greener environment, a program that companies should integrate in their processes.

Types of solar cell texturing

• Single crystalline substrate – this type is done by etching along the faces of the crystal planes. The crystalline structure will produce a resulting surface that is made up of pyramids when aligned appropriately with respect to the internal atoms.
• Inverted pyramid – with this type, the pyramids are etched down into the silicon surface as opposed to the single crystalline substrate where the silicon substrates are etched pointing upwards from the surface.
• Multi-crystalline substrate – this type can be done using a photolithograpic technique; it can also be processed by mechanically sculpting the front surface using dicing saws or laser to cut the surface into appropriate shape.

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Related: Recirculating Bath Etching

Video monitoring services – enhancing your building security system

The use of video monitoring system is becoming popular today as more and more businesses are getting aware of the importance for monitoring system for business security. In fact, some governments in the world require business establishments to install video system (the most common is the CCTV) by integrating this directive to business permit requirements.

If you are a business owner/manager who wants additional security for your facility then video system should be one of the added security features you should install. This does not only help in addressing security threat but it can also help when natural calamity strikes such as flood and other disasters. With the help of video monitoring, you are able to know which part of the facility is affected or damaged and which parts are still working. This helps in determining the authenticity of the information being sent by other security system since it includes visual components. Thus, this can really help to save the lives of people who are working within the facility as well as of people who are living from the immediate environs.

Outsourcing video monitoring service

The installation of video monitoring system requires both the technical skills and professional expertise. This just means that the task is best delegated to proven experts in the industry. If you do not have a team that can perform video system installation, one alternative that you could choose is to outsource to video monitoring service provider. It is considered one practical way for the installation since it generally costs less plus you are getting expert services.

Finding a good outsourcing service provider

As there are a number of outsourcing service providers around, spotting the best among the rest could be pretty a challenge. But, as part of your criteria, you find a company that has been in business for years as well as what people are saying about it. In other words, the length of time in service and customers’ testimonials should be a key factor in finding a video monitoring service that enhances your building security.

Technologies Used in Silicon Wafer Cleaning

Companies in the semiconductor industry have a good reason to be ecstatic about their future. Why? In a recent data released by WSTS (World Semiconductor Trade Statistics), worldwide semiconductor market is forecasted to be USD 298 billion in 2013; to be historical high in 2014 at 5.1% growth or USD 313 billion; and, the trend is expected to continue in 2015 as it will reach USD 325 billion, which is 3.8% up.

Just like with all other semiconductor industry segments, the figures above also mean a promising future for the semiconductor process technology manufacturers, including those who are into making innovations for more effective silicon wafer cleaning processes.

And, speaking of silicon wafer cleaning, the types of processes/technologies used in silicon wafer cleaning at present can be classified into three (at least from what I know) and these are the following:

Dry cleaning – this particular cleaning technology involves several techniques, which include these processes: Ozonated chemistries (aka UV-ozone clean) that is known to be environmentally friendly alternative to sulfuric acid; Dry Ice (CO2 based; Aerosols, which relies on a momentum transfer mechanism; Vapor Phase; and the Laser Assisted method.

Wet process – the wet cleaning techniques include immersion (immerse cassette in chemical bath); megasonic cleaning, which uses vibrational scrubbing method in a non-contact mode; Centrifugal Spray (continuously spray freshly blended chemicals and high purity water); aqueous cleaning (a process that involves at least 95 percent water)

The alternative – this is a combination of dry and wet method

Silicon wafer cleaning process, while it has come a long way since its inception, still need to be improved to better serve the semiconductor industry. This can be done through continued research and design innovations, so to come up with much better technologies that will not only hasten the processes but will improve the quality of the finish in an economical way possible.

Related: RCA Clean Process Flow by Noel Technologies  (Foundry services company based in Campbell, CA)

Aluminum Anodizing

Anodizing metal is an industry process that is used to convert the surface of a metallic material into aesthetically appealing yet durable finish. While a finished product can be aesthetically pleasing, the main reason why this process is a prime choice of many companies in the industry is its high level of corrosion resistance- an ideal characteristic that a material should possess to last longer.

Aside from corrosion resistance, there are other benefits one can get from anodizing metal and these are the reasons why more and more companies have this process. Some of these benefits are the following:

• Makes the treated material easy to maintain as scars and wear and tear problem that is common during fabrication, handling, and installation are virtually non-existent.

• Cost – materials that are anodized do not need frequent replacement; lower maintenance in a long run can be more advantageous in terms of cost.

• Color stability – advantageous in terms of color stability as exterior anodic coatings give good stability to UV rays; materials do not chip or easily peel.

• Hardness – anodized aluminum hardness provides important use to various industries; hardcoat anodizing is useful to many companies such as those in automobile, construction materials, and electronic components manufacturing.

Anodizing Metals and Environment

There are many questions that can be read all over the Internet regarding the environmental impact of anodizing process, particularly aluminum anodizing – is anodized aluminum safe?

Aluminum anodizing is widely-acknowledged as a system that is environment friendly as materials used in the process are recyclable. For instance, the most common anodizing effluents (e.g. aluminum hydroxide) are recyclable and can be used again for the manufacturing of alum, baking powder, or cosmetic products.

Anodizing service companies.

There are many companies out there that offer aluminum anodizing services. Some accept all types of aluminum and in different colors and specifications. When it comes to delivering results, there are companies capable of giving 24-hour turnaround. These companies are environment-friendly as well.

Commercial Single Ply Roofing San Jose / Santa Cruz

Photo Credit: BCI Construction, Inc.

If your commercial building is located in San Jose or Santa Cruz area and if you are planning for roof renovation, you might want to consider a single-ply roofing system. Finding a good roofing contractor that offer this particular service should not that difficult as there are a lot of them in these areas.

Why should you consider single-ply roofing?

If you look at the trend in the roofing industry today, you will realize the more and more are choosing single ply roofing system. In fact, this constitute 25% of commercial roofing market and expected to grow even bigger with programs from governments such as the ‘cool roof’ system – single-ply roofing materials are a catalyst for that. So, one should not wonder why this has become even more popular – some of the reasons are the following:

• Material’s durability – single ply roofing could last 25-40 years
• Performance – this type of material is resistant to weathering, chemical oxidation, as well as in UV radiation.
• Energy-saving opportunity – materials for single-ply roofing are made with environment awareness in mind; materials that can reduce energy consumption up to 50%

Finding a good contractor

You might consider the following tips useful if you are looking for a single-ply roofing contractor in California area such as in San Jose or Santa Cruz. Consider these tips:

Start your search online (yes, just like what you are doing right now) – the Internet plays a big role especially today that more and more companies / contractors are recognizing the value of online presence. To start off right, search at local directories/websites. You can try Google Places, Yahoo Local, Yelp, Thumbtack, etc. What’s the nice with these directories is that, not only they provide comprehensive details about a company but they give directions and exact locations as well. With Thumbtack (thumbtack.com), what’s nice with this directory is that they give you recommendations about these contractors either via phone or through email. All you need to do is to input specific details about what you are looking for on its online form. You will also need to input the zip code specific to your target area (in your case, input San Jose or Santa Cruz zip codes).

Recommendations – referrals from people in San Jose / Santa Cruz that you know can also be a great help, particularly from people who have had projects with certain contractors. Aside from private individual referrals, you can also get information/recommendations from the government particularly from the agency that regulates these roofing companies. (for more information, you can visit the city San Jose public website).

al2o3 Etch and al2o3 Wet Etch Trend for Semiconductor

The XE Series from IMTEC Acculine Company

The use semiconductor materials such as silicon in the industry has become more and more popular today, particularly in the production of InGaN-based light-emitting diode. InGan or Indium Gallium Nitride is the light emitting layer you see in modern blue and green LEDs, often grown on a transparent substrate like sapphire. The high heat capacity and low sensitivity to ionizing radiation are ideal characteristics for solar photovoltaic devices, particularly useful for arrays of satellites.

With the help of wet etching process, particularly the al2o3 wet process (aka sapphire wet etching), numerous patterning features are produced on patterned sapphire substrates, paving the way for mass production aimed at filling a high-value gap in the rapidly growing global LED market as more and more industries recognize the value of this type of material for lighting and illumination – uses where energy efficiency, low production cost, and environment-friendly process are very important for sustainable energy platform.

The Sapphire etching demand for semiconductor production

In the market research report published by Strategies Unlimited, the demand for LED products, particularly the high-brightness LED grew from USD 5.6 bn in 2009 to USD 10.8 bn in 2010. The study also revealed that this demand could grow about USD 18.9 bn by 2015. This trend is considered to be one of the factors why the demand for sapphire etching has grown significantly.

Wet process advantages

There are two major advantages of wet process particularly the al2o3 wet etching process. First, it is extremely fast and (second) it is a lot cheaper than dry etching. Furthermore, wet process is far more advantageous when it comes to scalability or the ability to handle a growing amount of in a capable manner.

The wet etching process

During high-temperature wet etching, it involves the following processes:

• Gallium nitride or indium gallium nitride coated wafers are put in a tank that contains a mixture of etching and buffering agents.

• A silicon dioxide mask is spun onto the sapphire substrate through a plasma-enhanced vapor process

• Lithography is utilized to expose the desired pattern.

• Specific temperatures are then applied to the mixture – ideally between 260 and 300 degrees Celsius.

The current trend in wet etching and semiconductor industry is expected to grow more in the coming years. Along the way, we’ll probably see more innovations that that can make the process more improved.

Commercial Roofing Contractors in San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area

California is one of the places in the US where you can find many commercial roofing contractors. However, when it comes to finding a reputable one, it is something that can be a bit challenging task. In situation like that, it is imperative that you have an established set of guidelines that you can review prior to taking any deal with a particular contractor; this article is aimed at helping you for your guidance.

Here are some useful insights on how you can find a good roofing contractor in San Jose – you might want to consider the following:

The distance of the service provider

The distance of your prospective roofing contractor is one factor that you should consider. It is not just one of the ways that can reduce the total service cost but also provide easy access should you need them in your area, urgently. To be able to have good insights on the distance of a particular service provider, you can use some of available tools online. One good example is by searching prospects through local directories – they are good when it comes to returning more specific information. All you need to do is to specify a particular area as your geo-modifier in your search so that you can have a more streamlined results (e.g. Roofing Contractor+San Jose). Some directories you can try: Google Places, Yahoo Local, Yellow Pages.

Examine the company’s portforlio

The projects a company has had in the past is one of the best indicators of how good it is in providing such service. So, you must make time to evaluate the projects they have done (you can personally – or through phone – ask a list of their projects in the past) by doing some research. Some important information you must find out include: the type of roofing system they have installed; feedback from their clients, project owners; and costs.

Energy-saving roofing system

More and more companies are going green and these companies are regarded as reputable for leading the campaign for cleaner environment. If you find a roofing contractor that has this advocacy, it’s good to add it to your prospects list. Green roofing system offers energy-saving advantage and this can help in reducing your building overall operation costs.

In closing, I’d like to stress as well that you take time to browse the San Jose Government site (http://www.sanjoseca.gov/) as it provides great resources about roofing contractors in San Jose, San Francisco area. Certainly, it can help you find the most qualified company that can handle your specific roofing needs.

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About the Author:

Dennis Felton writes an array of topics related to constructions and technologies. His past construction experience boosts his passion in managing his own construction blog as well as in working as a freelance writer. He is an avid follower of construction-related resources online such as the Bay Quality Construction Blog.

What are the advantages of hiring a local metal plating company?

If you are looking for a metal plating company for whatever industry project you have (manufacturing or construction), you are likely to choose between a local metal plating service provider and a company from outside your locality (e.g. from other state or from abroad); this is where crucial decision-making comes into play – which company should you choose? Should you choose local?

To help you in making your decision, I have presented below some useful insights on why a local company can be an advantage for your business.

Logistics significance

When you choose a local company, it becomes advantageous for both of you (your company and the metal plating entity) logistically compared to hiring a company servicing from other geo-location. Local logistic advantage means that shipment costs of plated metals (from manufacturer to your company) can be way lower (or no cost at all) compared to when they are shipped from far manufacturer.

Consultations can be done in person

The consultation and evaluation process is crucial to making any transaction between your company and the service provider. While this can be done via phone, doing it in person, in most cases, gives better understanding about the services (e.g. knowing the process and service protocol they follow). In addition to that, meeting the service provider in person allows you to establish rapport with them; thus, it can be a good opportunity to build a long-term healthy business relationship.

You can visit the facility – that easy

When a metal plating company is at close proximity, this means that you can have a visit as you desire; you can check the facility anytime you want – most especially before you finally choose that company as your metal plating service provider. You can evaluate the company firsthand and therefore the chances of choosing the most qualified one is a lot better.

Easy reach when product issue arises

If ever you encounter any issue with the product (like defective finishes) you can easily reach them for necessary fixes or replacement without any cost (or at least minimal, if there is any) – this can be advantageous to both your company and your service provider. Product or metal finishes can be replaced or fixed in a shortest possible time as well. In addition to that, being at close proximity with the service provider also allows your them to visit your company instead of you visiting them for any service-related appointments.

There are really a lot of advantages when hiring a local company. So try to re-assess if it is indeed ideal for your company’s unique needs.

Things to consider when hiring a Commercial Roofing Company in San Jose / Bay Area California

If you are looking for a commercial roofing company in San Jose / Bayarea California area to work on your roofing needs, there are important things you need to consider before you hire one as this is not an easy decision making process – works like this involve money; you cannot afford to put your resources into waste – if you fail.

The following insights are aimed at helping you find a good roofing company in the area:

Check license

If you already have some prospects, the first thing you need to do is to check whether they are licensed contractors or not; it should be part of your minimum requirements. If a company is licensed, that means it has passed the qualifications / standards imposed by the government for practice. For California areas such as in San Jose / Bayarea, check this resource from the government: How do I find the right licensed contractor?

Review from reputable agencies

Your prospects might have presented to you their company well but this should not be your sole basis; you should also consider what other people or agencies are saying as part of the equation. On the Internet, you can find some review sites you can check such as the Better Business Bureau. Click here to check your prospects in California.

Evaluate what your prospects have to offer

It is imperative to examine what your prospects have to offer and weigh whether or not they are worth your money. With this, you need to examine their service package and this includes (but not limited to) prices or the cost, service inclusion list, special privileges, and the like. Evaluate what sets them apart from their competitors.

Some questions you might want to ask during evaluations:

• Do they offer same services at lower costs compared to competitors?
• Do these prospects are Energy Star compliant?
• How about their LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status?
• Do these prospects have the necessary equipment to work on your roofing needs?

Visit their office

In order to get the most appropriate answers to questions like mentioned above, it is recommended to visit your prospects’ respective offices. This means that while you search the Internet for list of prospects, don’t forget to take note of their office phone numbers and addresses. The Internet provides pretty comprehensive information for local addresses. Google Maps, for instance, offers directions and other important details– just enter the address on the text filed provided.

Key Components of Ideal Energy Management System for Commercial Buildings

Whether you are managing a warehouse facility or an office building or a retail store, you need to employ an efficient and sustainable energy management system. This is to help your whole operation to work well and therefore can achieve your business goals. Thus, it is essential that you carefully consider which system you need to employ.

The following provides useful insights on areas to consider to achieve ideal energy management system for any commercial buildings:

Working for the reduction of carbon footprint

This is defined as “the total set of greenhouse gas emissions” your facility produces out into the environment in any one-year period. As a company that strives to achieve better energy sustainability, you must factor this in to your set of criteria by employing a system that monitors carbon dioxide emissions, gas responsible for global warming.

Reduction of other greenhouse gases

Commercial buildings are a prime contributory sector of environment pollutants considering their use of an array of chemicals, which are potentially harmful to the environment, in their processes. A good energy management system ensures that greenhouse gas (water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, etc.) emission is minimal.

Lowering energy bills

Efficiency also means keeping the operational costs at reasonable levels. Thus, working to lower energy bills is necessary. It is important that the energy management system you employ is effective when it comes to ‘economically favorable’ energy consumption, without compromising the operation process. For instance, you might want to consider an effective ‘daylighting’ system that allows you to make use of sunlight to its optimum potential for building lightings, which reduces electric consumption. The use of appropriate roofing system can also be a big help to reduce energy use. A good roofing system helps maintain an ideal temperature inside a facility and therefore can efficiently use equipment like ‘cooling system’ or air-condition system. Good daylighting and roofing systems can dramatically reduce the overall operational costs.

Employs effective energy monitoring system

As efficiency and savings are important elements for effective energy management system, the utilization of energy monitoring system is recommended.  There are lots of companies that are now implementing robust monitoring and evaluation of their facilities – you should not be left behind. If you are not sure on how to do that, you can actually hire a facility management service provider to work with you in realizing this goal.  Some companies offer energy evaluation for free. In connection with this particular criterion for efficient energy management, you must also work so that your energy system conforms to LEED and Energy Star Certification standards.