Fujitsu has introduced new software for simulating the movements of production line workers, which is designed for customers in the manufacturing industry, such as automobile parts suppliers and precision electronics manufacturers. GP4 was developed by Lexer Research, which has extensive experience and expertise in the preparatory processes for manufacturing operations. A 40% reduction in production line assembly time was achieved in an early-release [beta-release] deployment of the software. The new software is available starting in May, 2011 in Japan.
Solar Gard Photovoltaics, part of Bekaert Specialty Films, has introduced the PV T10f to its line of high-quality backsheets for photovoltaic (PV) modules. Solar Gard is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of flexible films, and PV T10f leverages the company’s more than 30 years of expertise in coating and laminating to improve EVA adhesion and peel strength. Solar Gard PV T10f is UL recognized and performance tested at TUV, and outperforms third-party testing criteria.
Adhesives Research (AR) has launched new pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes (PSAs) for bus bar, solar cell junction box, and encapsulation barrier applications in crystalline and thin film PV module applications.
Advanced Energy Industries has improved the performance of its 500kW ‘Solaron’ PV inverters have achieved a 98% efficiency rating from the California Energy Commission (CEC). According to the company this is a record breaking efficiency rating for any inverter in this power class. Advanced Energy also held the previous industry benchmarks of 97% and then 97.5%. By achieving 98% average efficiency without carve-outs for auxiliary power or other adjustments, the ‘Solaron’ PV inverters are ideal for the commercial and utility-scale solar inverter market.
Edwards has introduced a patented hot trap designed to thermally decompose the liquid diethyl zinc (DEZ) used in depositing some transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films in thin film solar manufacturing.
In reporting Q1’11 results on May 13, 2011, Roth & Rau highlighted year-on-year revenue growth for group activities (including PV) of 69.1% - from €35.3 million in Q1’10 to €59.7 million in Q1’11. Indeed, analogous to other PV companies recently across the value and supply-chains, emphasis was placed on year-on-year comparisons, not on quarter-on-quarter changes from the preceding reporting period Q4’10...
Centrotherm Photovoltaics has released its Q1’11 results, highlighting strong year-on-year revenue and bookings performance compared to Q1’10. Revenues grew year on year by 64.2% to €189.3 million, while new orders increased by 187.8% to €224.3 million. However, a more appropriate comparison comes by looking at quarter-on-quarter trends - in particular how Centrotherm’s PV book-to-bill is tracking – and in understanding trends within the industry driving these metrics.
Heraeus Photovoltaic Business Unit, a developer of advanced front and back-side silver paste for crystalline solar cells has introduced the SOL200 Series for back-side tabbing conductors for mono- and multicrystalline silicon solar cell wafers. SOL200 has been claimed to demonstrate lower paste laydown while maintaining excellent solderability with both leaded and lead-free solders while maintaining high adhesion and high electrical performance.
Konica Minolta Sensing Americas has introduced the AK Series of new photovoltaic reference cells to the US market. The AK reference cells are used as a standard point of calibration to ensure consistent measurements of newly developed photovoltaic cells.
