Search sponsor
Search sponsor
Manz showcased its new equipment for wet-chemical processing of crystalline silicon solar cells at SNEC 2012 in Shanghai this May. The IPSG CEI 4800 is designed for chemical edge isolation (CEI) and phosphor silicate glass (PSG) post process removal. The tool is capable of handing 4800 wafers per hour and sold as a bundle with the Manz SpeedPicker for loading and unloading.
BT Imaging has launched the next-generation iLS-W2 for on-the-fly photoluminescence (PL) inspection of wafer quality; the all-new iS-G1 for inline cast mono grain inspection; a new automation unit, the iQ, that houses the iLS-W2 and/or iS-G1 so that existing production lines can be upgraded; and, the QS-W2, a fully integrated inspection tool that can automatically sort wafers. With this suite of tools, wafer makers and fully integrated PV manufacturers can inspect every wafer in production and understand its electrical performance before they make it into a cell, thereby commanding premium pricing for wafers and cells.
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas has introduced the AK-300 PV Reference Cell, which is claimed to be the world’s first for dye-sensitized solar cells. The AK-300 was developed in conjunction with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and utilized Konica Minolta Sensing’s advanced optical filter technology. The reference cell has been designed using an optical filter mounted on a stable crystalline silicon solar cell rather than using traditional dye materials.
Teamtechnik is to debut its new stringer system at SNEC PV 2012. The ‘STRINGER TT1200 HS’ is claimed to solder crystalline solar cell strings in a 2.5 second cycle on just one track. Compared to its previous model throughput, it has been boosted by 200 cycles and is claimed to currently be the fastest single-track stringer system on the market.
Eyelit has made available its ‘Intelligence Mobile Web Portal,’ which provides operational information in real-time through tablet devices and smart phones using iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry technologies, enabling ‘anywhere access’ to key manufacturing and quality data from the manufacturing floor.
Schueco has launched an up-rated version of its ProSol TF module, claiming a 30% increase in electrical output over its standard offering. The new thin-film module, ProSol TF+, is a tandem junction module capable of being customized for a range of BIPV applications.
AlsoEnergy has developed several new reporting and collaboration enhancements to its cloud-based ‘PowerTrack’ Energy Management Services software. The newest features allow developers and investors in solar energy systems to create performance models and compare operation between sites and models to quickly detect underperforming components and generate better system returns.
Designed for diamond wire cut and slurry cut monocrystalline, quasimono and multicrystalline wafers, SCHMID’s ‘Metrology Sorter’ with ‘Analyzer Software’ option takes final inspection into the realm of critical process inspection. SCHMID’s analyzer software compiles the measurement data of the finished wafers in a three dimensional brick, which establishes the basic information for the specific intervention in the upstream production steps.
DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM) has introduced ‘DuPont Solamet PV416’ photovoltaic metallization paste used to raise the efficiency of thin film photovoltaic cells. The front-side silver paste material has the capability to be processed at temperatures below 140°C, and is designed to provide improved contact resistance, conductivity, adhesion and fine line resolution when printed on Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCOs). The new paste has been claimed to have boosted CIGS thin-film manufacturer, Midsummer AB’s cell efficiencies by as much as 0.5%.
centrotherm photovoltaics is offering an upgrade package for its centaurus technology, which combines a selective emitter with a dielectric passivated backside. The technology implementation is said to already be combined with fine line printing, reducing paste consumption of the front side silver paste by more than 20%. The achieved conversion efficiencies on 156x156mm² monocrystalline (cz) wafers have already reached the 20% level. Currently, centrotherm said it has more than 50MW of centaurus technology being ramped into volume production.
GCL-Poly has successfully developed a high efficiency multicrystalline wafer ‘GCL Multi-Wafer S1+,’ which is said have achieved customer feedback, after trial runs of average conversion efficiencies of 17.6%, with an increase of 0.5-0.7% when compared with its current benchmark wafers.
SoLayTec has introduced its Process Development Tool for ultrafast ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) for depositing (aluminium oxide) Al2O3. The tool is said to be capable of a highly effective surface passivation of the cell (front and rear) with a throughput of 100 wph (wafers per hour).
ViscoTec offers specialized dosing solutions for all production steps that work with adhesives, sealants and metal pastes. Such a system significantly increases process reliability, while also lowering costs – thereby ultimately leading to a significant increase in production efficiency.
Twin Creeks Technologies has launched its first commercial tool, Hyperion 3, a commercial wafer production system, claimed to dramatically reduce the cost of solar modules and semiconductor devices, by reducing the amount of silicon and other substrate materials used, by up to 90%.
ULVAC Technologies has introduced the UNECS-2000 spectroscopic ellipsometer for the high speed measurement of film thickness and optical constants of thin films in R&D applications.
BISOL Group has developed a complete and elaborate real-time monitoring system. By detecting faults and conveying them to the maintenance team and to the owner, the system enables a rapid response when a defect in the PV system occurs.
Amphenol Industrial is offering a new active trunk and drop cabling solution, in conjunction with Ampt, a designer of active electronics for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The new cabling solution is claimed to reduce the cost of commercial and utility-scale PV systems.
GT Advanced Technologies has developed the ‘Acuity’ software, as a comprehensive performance management solution that lets operators optimize the performance of GT’s ‘DSS’ family of crystal growth furnaces. Acuity performance software monitors DSS production data providing PV manufacturers with real-time insight into actual versus ideal equipment performance. By understanding these performance gaps, companies can make more informed decisions to ensure that DSS furnaces perform at optimal levels of efficiency run after run.
GeoModel Solar has launched a new generation of solar installation software - iMaps and pvPlanner that is claimed to offer a new standard for the PV industry. iMaps provides access to key solar resource parameters with a spatial detail of 250 meters, thus allowing for accurate site selection while pvPlanner allows fast comparison of various sites and technology options.
Plansee High Performance Materials has added MoNa sputtering targets with high purity and a uniform and fine-grained microstructure to its product offering. Tests in cooperation with the Swiss EMPA institute have claimed the MoNa targets to be superior to alternative targets. Using Na-doped molybdenum layers, the efficiency of CIGS solar cells are said to have been significantly improved.
Rainwise has recently released the PVmet Solar Energy Efficiency Monitor, a weather station specifically designed to improve accurate monitoring of PV plant performance parameters. The monitoring system is said to be the first weather station to be recognized by SunSpec Alliance for compatibility with industry plant management systems and has already sold 500 units to 2 of the top inverter manufacturers worldwide.
PSE has introduced its new mechanical load test stand for the more realistic and comprehensive determination of mechanical stress from wind and snow loads.
Reis Robotics has developed a new process that provides a fully automatic, circumferential application of adhesive tape before the module framing process step. Because there is no stopping the process at the module corners when the direction changes, Reis Robotics claims dirt and water penetration is eliminated. Various common adhesive tape types from different manufacturers are said to be compatible with this assembly process.
Vitronic’s VINSPECsolar electroluminescence inspection system is designed to detect defects within solar cells that could influence electrical performance of the solar module. By using electroluminescence inspection, all defect areas are automatically detected, displayed and classified by relevant software before lamination, so that reworking can increase the module’s efficiency. Archived electroluminescence images of the finished module also serve as proof of the delivered quality.
GT Advanced Technologies has announced the commercial availability of its DSS 450 MonoCast crystal growth system. Modules produced from material grown in the furnace are claimed to rival modules that incorporate traditional boron-doped batch CZ monocrystalline wafers in terms of total output. The DSS450 MonoCast furnace incorporates a number of new features that result in ≥80% mono volume yield per slabbed ingot and significantly increases Grade I wafers (>90% mono area/wafer) per ingot than other cast mono technologies.
Oerlikon Solar’s 2nd generation ThinFab turnkey system is claimed to enable a CapEx reduction of more than 20%. The estimated price for the complete end-to-end production line is just US$1/Wp including engineering support and performance guarantees. The production line is claimed to produce high quality thin film silicon modules for cost of around $ 0.5/Wp (€ 0.35/Wp), a new record-low in the solar industry.
Stäubli Robotics has launched the TP80 fast Picker, an ultrafast four-axis new technology of high-speed pickers for standard pick & place applications, delivering speeds of more than 200 picks per minute and more flexibility at a lower cost, according to the company.
Tanaka Precious Metals has introduced what it claims is the world’s first conductive silver ink capable of forming electronic circuits using only hardening by ultraviolet (UV) light without the need for hardening by heating. A total of three silver inks using different types of resin and reaction initiator will be available and users can select the materials according to their manufacturing equipment and application.
Munich Re has launched a new insurance product that insures against the risk of PV manufacturers’ insolvency. It covers the risk borne by commercial and utility-scale PV power plant operators that solar module output may, in the course of time, fall below the level guaranteed by a manufacturer which can no longer be held liable under its warranties due to insolvency.
BTU International’s ‘Tritan’ HV90 dual-lane metallization firing system features increased throughput at 3600 wafers per hour, and includes an edge belt, volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement and a single zone spike with less than 3 seconds spike time. BTU claims that by switching to the dual-lane system, cell manufacturers can expect a 35% increase in capital efficiency coupled to unparalleled performance in lane to lane matching.
TTi has introduced its next generation of residential solar roof mount, the patented TTi Flat Jack Comp Shingle Mount. As a durable and reliable mount for installing PV panels on composition shingle roofs, the TTi Flat Jack now requires no shingle trimming or sealants, reduces labour costs and protects roofs.
Conergy’s PowerPlus Premium module will be available in sophisticated black. As an alternative to the polycrystalline, classic blue module, the Hamburg-based company is now offering its “Edition Noir” as a second design option, with black cells and a black backsheet. Monocrystalline modules in four different performance classes, from 240 to 255W, will be available in this new look. The Conergy SunTop mounting system is also available in the new “Noir” look, so now all your roof installations can be in black and the mountings and modules can be perfectly matched.
Trina Solar is offering a three-pronged service solution featuring complimentary design services, newly available high performance Honey modules and the rapid install Trinamount racking system specifically for the installers, developers and other customers requiring large rooftop PV installations in the North American market.
Wagan Tech has launched new solar power generators for off-grid applications. The ‘Solar e Power’ Cube 1500 and the ‘Solar e Power’ Case 450 are both plug and play solar generators providing instant access to AC power.
GreenPeak Technologies, a fabless semiconductor company, has introduced a wireless monitoring and control system solution for solar panel installations that will allow individual panel parameter tracking and control.
centrotherm has introduced a new fast firing furnace tool, c.FIRE for metallization of front and rear contacts of solar cells. It is suited for all common sorts of metallization paste and comes with an integrated and versatile dryer. Emphasis in the design was also placed on a compact footprint and maintenance systems in order to reduce the operating costs for solar cell producers.
AMETEK Programmable Power will be offering a fully automated EN50530 test solution that utilizes three core ‘Surround the Inverter’ elements: the TerraSAS Solar Array Simulator, MX/RS Grid-Simulator and CTS Compliance Test System. The programmable power products and systems simulate the output of solar arrays, the loads applied to the output of the inverter, and the interface with the grid, providing a comprehensive and energy efficient means of testing PV inverters.
Dow Corning and Reis Robotics have announced that their solar cell liquid encapsulation process has passed factory acceptance testing and is now available for commercial use. Additional site testing was conducted on the pilot line at the new Dow Corning Solar Solutions Application Center in JinCheon, Korea with a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance solar power products.
Dr Schenk has developed a high-speed, non-destructive measurement of I-V curves of thin-film modules prior to the lamination step. The SolarMeasure I-V Curve Tracer evaluates the characteristics of every individual cell on the complete thin-film panel and detects local variations. These measurements can be taken in-line and the results serve as a GO/NO-GO test of whether a panel should be processed further.
Bürkle has developed a new three-step single-opening laminator focusing on a number of key process parameters to reduce costs and increase productivity. The e.a.sy-Lam SL machine is claimed to reduce unit costs per solar module by up to 25%.
Isra Solar Vision has introduced a unique defect inspection system for compound spots on cell edges, which can cause short-circuits when the cells enter the flashing process. Inspection at this stage is seen to ensure level ‘A’ quality for at least the first 400 cells per batch. The new ‘SOLARSCAN-Bevel’ system is designed to prevent wafer/cell scrap and provides the possibility to react immediately with protective or maintenance actions.
Singulus Technologies had launched the ‘SINGULAR ICP-PECVD’ platform for the development and production of high efficiency silicon solar cells, requiring passivation layers for R&D and production applications. The platform has been applied at research centers and institutes in Europe, America and Asia.
For extremely high product quality and productivity for treatment of silicon bricks, Arnold Group has introduced the type 72/865 machine, which is a high-end combination of a surface and chamfering machine. Arnold claims that it now has a balanced production range in the grinding field with this high-end grinding machine which can serve the most different requests of customers. The improvements and further developments of this high-end grinding machine, 72/865, are also integrated in the surface grinding machine 72/860 and chamfering machine 72/852. Furthermore they influence the combination machine, now available as 72/855.
The photovoltaic-TPA (Thermo Plastic Applicator) from Bystronic glass group is a machine designed for the encapsulation and sealing of thin-film photovoltaic modules. The machine is claimed to be the first machine of this type that is capable of working in 24-hour operation without any interruption.
Saint-Gobain Solar has launched its ‘SolarBond’ Membrane materials for module lamination process in two models, SolarBond Membrane Standard and SolarBond Membrane Premier. The membrane is designed to protect the module and the lamination equipment in extreme temperatures.
Kipp & Zonen has introduced a new and intelligent generation of pyranometers. Equipped with an extremely low power Smart Interface, the new Smart SMP Pyranometers offer industry standard digital and amplified analog outputs within the well-known CMP series housings.
STRAMA-MPS, a German based global operating testing and handling equipment supplier has introduced its third generation ‘ProMoSim evo³’, LED-based sun simulator for improved solar cell testing that includes quality checks, high precision IV curve measurement and steady state light soaking and cell degradation measurements.
Unirac has launched the ISYS Single Axis Tracker at the Solar Power International (SPI) trade show, which is claimed to be the most robust and versatile ground mount tracker system on the market today. The system is able to work with any space or module system. Unirac backs the ISYS Tracker with a 20-year structural performance warranty.
Power-One has introduced its new AURORA ULTRA-1400 central inverter with an output power of up to 1.4MW and is the largest product in the Power-One RE offering for large-scale commercial and utility-grade PV power plants. . Industry-leading power conversion efficiencies of up to 98.7% combined with an extra wide input voltage range and multiple MPPT channels optimize energy harvesting across a wide array of operating conditions.
SunPower has launched the SunPower C7 Tracker, a solar PV tracking system that concentrates the sun’s power seven times to achieve what is claimed to be the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar power plants available today.
