Solar

Photovoltaic is a technology that makes use of the sun as a truly renewable energy source. Solar panels are used to generate electricity; DEI contributes to the broader usage of this technology by offering the process technology for new entrants to produce polysilicon, a critical component in traditional crystalline silicon solar panels. Thin film technologies have been commercialized to provide alternative options for solar panel production. Thou film technologies include both Cd-Te and CIG, which rely on rare metals, and Amorphous Silicon where silicon is deposited directly on substrates. One chemical used in direct deposition for thin films is Silane, and DEI offers a proprietary process for synthesis of Silane. Many companies are working on developing organic thin films for the future.

Today, there are many new suppliers emerging in the Polysilicon and Photovoltaics segments, effectively driving production prices down and consequently consumer costs down. As such, the demand forecast is now greater than ever.

Polysilicon remains a key ingredient in the process where high purity results in output of higher performance panels. A variety of hazardous chemicals are intermediates in polysilicon production, chiefly Trichlorosilane. The production process can generate a small amount of industrial or hazardous waste, which is disposed of in accordance with environmental laws. However, DEI has taken the Siemen’s process a few steps further with a patent-pending process that reduces and recycles waste. Consequently, DEI is offering a process that contributes to a cleaner environment.