As the global energy transition accelerates, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is advancing rapidly towards higher efficiency, larger-scale production, and lower energy consumption. From polysilicon production and crystal growing and wafering to solar cell manufacturing and module lamination, stable and reliable vacuum and compressed air systems have become essential infrastructure for safeguarding product yield, boosting production capacity, and reducing operating costs.

Backed by decades of industrial expertise, Ingersoll Rand provides photovoltaic manufacturers with air and vacuum solutions covering the full production workflow to help customers achieve higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and superior production stability.

Challenges in Photovoltaic Manufacturing

Improving Product Yield

Solar cell and module manufacturing require extremely high levels of cleanliness and process stability. Any contamination in the compressed air supply or fluctuations in vacuum performance can negatively impact product quality, performance, and conversion efficiency. 

Reducing Specific Energy Consumption

As industry competition intensifies, manufacturers continuously pursue lower cost-per-watt production, placing higher demands on equipment energy efficiency. 

Ensuring Continuous Production

Photovoltaic production lines typically operate 24/7, with strict requirements for reliability, maintenance intervals, and failure rates of critical equipment.

Meeting Green Manufacturing Requirements

Driven by the Dual Carbon Goals, more and more manufacturers are looking to achieve sustainable development through energy-efficient equipment and intelligent management.

 

Compressed Air Solutions

• Oil-Free Screw Air Compressors

• Centrifugal Air Compressors

• Air Treatment 

Vacuum Solutions

• Dry Screw Vacuum Pumps

• Oil Lube Screw Vacuum Pumps

• Vacuum Pump Packages

• Centralized Vacuum Station Solutions


Creating Greater Value for the Photovoltaic Industry

Improve Productivity

Optimize production throughput and process efficiency with high-performance vacuum and compressed air systems

Reduce Operating Costs

Reduce energy consumption and maintenance expenditure while optimizing total cost of ownership throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Ensure Product Quality

A stable vacuum environment and clean air supply can help improve product consistency and yield.

Support Green Manufacturing

Support renewable energy enterprises in achieving energy savings, emissions reduction, and long-term sustainability goals.

High-Reliability Oil-Free Compressors and Vacuum Pumps for the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Industry

Compressed air plays a critical role in photovoltaic manufacturing, with broad applications in semiconductor packaging, printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, electronic component production, flat panel display manufacturing, and battery production. All of these process stages have a mandatory requirement for Class 0, 100% oil-free air.

Ingersoll Rand oil-free compressed air equipment supplies 100% oil-free air in accordance with ISO 8573-01:2010, meeting the requirements of all photovoltaic manufacturing processes. Our solutions are focused on delivering outstanding air quality and purity while achieving a low-pressure dew point (to produce moisture-free air). Both are critical performance indicators for the photovoltaic industry.

Choose us for a compressor you can rely on!

In photovoltaic module manufacturing, vacuum technology is used for the efficient handling and positioning of silicon wafers, solar cells, and modules:

• High-precision pick-and-place and conveying, reducing product damage

• Support for continuous automated production

• Suitable for silicon wafer handling, solar cell manufacturing, and module assembly processes

Centralized vacuum systems can deliver a stable, high-flow air supply for multiple points of use, helping improve overall energy efficiency and operational performance.

Smart PV Manufacturing, Powering a Sustainable Future

From crystal growing to module assembly, from individual equipment to complete plant systems, Ingersoll Rand continuously empowers photovoltaic manufacturers with innovative technology, delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable air and vacuum solutions to the global new renewable energy industry.