Posted: September 15, 2009

Podcast: Chemistry makes solar energy more economical

(Nanowerk News) As a part of the future energy mix with other energy sources solar energy can make a sustainable contribution towards a low carbon society. In the production and improvement of the photovoltaic technology chemistry plays an important role.
New kinds of cutting liquids optimize the cutting of the silicon ingots. Through the help of special etching solutions the freshly cut silicon wafers are given a surface that guarantees optimal light-yield efficiency. New electronic chemicals are specifically designed to meet the requirements of solar cell production. Special lead-free silver pastes require no solvents and can be applied contact-free with a new laser transfer process and completely different shapes will be possible through solar cell module frames made of polyurethanes (PU).
In this podcast from BASF you will learn how chemical innovations from BASF help to make solar energy more economical on its way being a sustainable contribution to the worldwide energy supply.
BASF Corporate Communications started a regular bilingual Podcast service in April 2007 to report on BASF's innovations and research and development activities in an easy-to-understand, informative and entertaining way.
Listen to the audio reportage with Dr. Frank Haunert (Product Manager, Solar Cells BASF Singapore), Dr. Frank Kleine-Jaeger (Silver Paste Project Manager BASF).
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year.
Source: BASF