New Product: Camstar’s ‘SolarSuite’ version 4.5 handles manufacturing scale-up

July 21, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: Camstar Systems has released ‘SolarSuite’ 4.5 for general availability. Version 4.5 includes advancements developed in collaboration with leading solar manufacturers and new packaging options scale with solar companies from startup to global enterprise. A rapidly growing CIGS module manufacturer was said to have increased asset utilization by 12%. A CPV and multijunction solar cell manufacturer increased conversion efficiency by 38%. A vertically integrated c-Si module manufacturer reduced production scrap by 20% using the new system.

Problem: The fast-paced growth of the PV manufacturing industry requires MES systems to be adaptable to a wide-range of changing dynamics, whether it may be multiple fab expansion, new technology and process to best fit their needs.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: Specific enhancements in version 4.5—driven in collaboration with leading manufacturers using the application—include expanded capabilities for global enterprises to manage multiple manufacturing sites and outsourced operations. In combination with Camstar Cell Controller, it simplifies integration with a wide variety of machine, equipment, and tool interface protocols used in automated factories. It has the capability to support complex manufacturing processes that span all solar technologies as well as allow users to quickly adopt the solution with minimal training—and realize benefits earlier. It also simplifies integration with a wide variety of machine, equipment, and tool interface protocols used in automated factories. New packaging options provide SolarSuite capabilities sized to meet the needs of companies in startup, growth and enterprise modes, and enable scaling from one mode to the next.

Applications: Process support for < 20 transactions/sec in 50 MW plants to >150 transactions/sec in 500MW c-Si and thin-film PV manufacturing plants.

Platform: SolarSuite is configured on the Camstar Enterprise Platform, and encompasses Manufacturing Execution, Quality Management, Process Planning, Operational Intelligence and Equipment Integration.

Availability: July 2010 onwards.

Read Next

May 8, 2026
Australia's utility-scale solar sector must halve generation costs to around AU$25-30/MWh (US$18-22/MWh) to unlock a pipeline of projects capable of delivering the 10GW of annual capacity additions needed for decarbonisation, according to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Premium
May 7, 2026
We spoke to Johannes Bernreuter about what Daqo New Energy's remarkable 88% sales drop in Q1 2026 means for the polysilicon industry.
May 7, 2026
Renew Risk has launched a 'first-of-its-kind' model to forecast the impacts of thunderstorms on utility-scale solar projects in the US.
May 7, 2026
New customer additions and capacity of solar PV and BESS have all fallen quarter-on-quarter in the latest financial results from Sunrun.
May 7, 2026
US solar PV and energy storage system component manufacturer, Shoals, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Portland, Tennessee.
May 7, 2026
PV installations in Germany in Q1 2026 decreased by 6% year-on-year as demand for residential solar systems declined, according to BSW-Solar.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil