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

December 10, 2025
Italy's NZIA FER-X auction aims to diversify Europe's supply chain, but this brings its own challenges, writes Patrizio Donati.
December 10, 2025
The global utility-scale solar PV sector has exceeded the threshold of 1TW of operating capacity, according to Wiki-Solar.
December 10, 2025
Plentiude, the renewable energy development arm of Italian oil and gas major Eni, has started operations at a 150MW solar PV plant in Spain.
December 10, 2025
The US solar industry registered its third-best quarter with 11.7GW of new capacity installed in the third quarter of 2025.
December 10, 2025
The average price of several types of solar PV modules remained stable in Europe in November, according to sun.store.
Premium
December 9, 2025
Rooftop solar PV generated nearly twice the output of utility-scale solar throughout November 2025, maintaining a 1.9:1 ratio in Australia.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA