3D-Micromac AG, a supplier of laser micromachining and roll-to-roll laser systems for the photovoltaic, medical device and electronics markets, has received an order for three of its microCELL On-the-Fly (OTF) laser systems from REC Group, a European brand of solar panels. The systems will be installed at REC Group’s production facility in Singapore to support the company’s expansion in production volume of high-efficiency passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells, as well as support the development of next-generation PERC solar cells. PERC solar cells have the potential to deliver significantly higher levels of energy efficiency and production compared to standard solar cells. A critical step in the manufacturing process is laser contact opening, which involves using a laser to create tiny pockets in the passivation film layer that is applied to the rear surface of the silicon wafer in order to allow more light to be absorbed by the solar cell. 3D-Micromac’s microCELL OTF laser system is a high-productivity and low-cost-of-ownership solution for mono- and polycrystalline silicon solar cells. microCELL OTF enables throughputs of up to 4000 wafers per hour with no laser damage to underlying silicon lasers. Contactless wafer handling enables processing without surface defects and microcracks, enabling maximum yields. “We are pleased to add REC Group to our growing list of customers for our microCELL production equipment,” said Tino Petsch, CEO of 3D-Micromac. “PERC solar production is projected to experience tremendous growth over the next several years, and our microCELL OTF laser system continues to gain traction with leading PERC manufacturers as an enabling technology to support their requirements.”