Natcore Technology Inc. has commissioned the construction of an upgraded AR-Box(TM) solar cell processing station that will include black silicon capability. Like the original AR-Box, this second-generation device will be manufactured by MicroTech Systems Inc., of Fremont, CA. Although Natcore has negotiated a Chinese joint venture that is intended to provide AR-Box equipment for the Chinese market, Natcore chose to produce this new machine in the United States.

Under the terms of Natcore's agreement, MicroTech will also be licensed to sell AR-Box equipment to North American solar cell manufacturers. Similar to the first-generation AR-Box, the new machine will be semi-automated. But unlike the first AR-Box, this second-generation processing station will be designed to produce black silicon solar cell wafers in a pilot line role in existing solar cell manufacturing facilities.

Natcore expects that the new AR-Box will be completed in the first quarter of 2013. Pending a successful testing outcome, Natcore then hopes to sell the machine to its first customer. Natcore remains in close contact with potential customers as it refines the capabilities of its recently developed black silicon solar cells.