Sydney-based SunDrive has entered a joint development agreement with Maxwell Technologies and Jiangsu Vistar Equipment Technology to develop and distribute commercial-scale tools for producing high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) solar cells using copper plating. This collaboration aims to advance SunDrive’s copper-based metallization technology, replacing silver to enhance affordability and sustainability in solar manufacturing.

SunDrive, known for setting a world efficiency record of 26.41% in 2022 with a full-size silicon HJT solar cell, projects that its copper-based approach could reduce installed solar costs by 20% to 30%. The company focuses on solar innovation while partnering with leading equipment manufacturers to accelerate commercialization. Natalie Malligan, SunDrive’s chief executive officer, stated: “This partnership is a clear validation of SunDrive’s strategy to focus on world-class solar innovation, right here in Australia, and partner with the best in the industry to bring it to market.”

The agreement with Maxwell and Vistar builds on SunDrive’s efforts to scale its technology from pilot to commercial production. Maxwell, a leading supplier of HJT solar cell equipment with over 80% of global installed capacity, serves major manufacturers like Tongwei Solar and Trina Solar. Vistar specializes in advanced solar production equipment, including wet chemical processing and automation. Zhou Jian, Maxwell’s chairman, said: “We hope this collaboration will deepen our joint R&D capabilities in copper plating, achieve new breakthroughs in cell conversion efficiency, module power output, and mass producibility, as well as propel HJT technology into the 780 W plus era, opening new frontiers for the industry’s development.”

SunDrive emphasized the importance of transitioning from silver to copper, noting: “As silver becomes more expensive and supply chains tighten, copper offers a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative.” This shift supports the long-term viability of HJT technology by addressing material cost challenges. The partnership leverages Maxwell and Vistar’s expertise in equipment production and market distribution to enable rapid deployment in manufacturing lines worldwide.

SunDrive’s broader strategy includes domestic initiatives, such as a memorandum of understanding with Trinasolar to explore solar manufacturing in Australia and a collaboration with AGL Energy to assess= investigate a potential solar panel factory in New South Wales’ Hunter region. The collaboration with Maxwell and Vistar marks a key step toward industrializing SunDrive’s technology, positioning it for global adoption in sustainable solar production.

by pv magazine