Photovoltaic energy [ Return towards  Energy  ]

Photovoltaic energy: the sun's energy

From sunlight to electricity, the transformation is complex and requires using photovoltaic cells that capture the sun’s energy. They are generally composed of silicon-based semiconductors, and two different technologies are available to them: polycrystalline silicon or deposits of thin film on glass.

These processes have one thing in common. They require the use of a large quantity of very high purity gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, monosilane, specialty gases to enable the silicon to be doped.

Using their expertise in very high purity gases for the electronics industry or the manufacturing of flat screens, the Group’s researchers have developed innovative solutions to meet the needs of the photovoltaic industry. The ALUX offer provides manufacturers with all the gases required to produce cells, as well as the related equipment to distribute these gases right to their point of use. Today, research continues with a dual objective: reducing the cost of the energy produced and developing more environmentally friendly new processes.