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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.
