SOMONT adds major productivity improvements to CERTUS stringer system

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: Somont has made further improvements to its CERTUS stringing system, which is designed for production capacities from 50 – 100MW per year. The CERTUS features a modular concept to match the desired capacity requirements. CERTUS integrates all elements needed at the front-end of the module production line with new, state-of-the art technology for the stringer, in-line string testing, matrix lay-up, interconnection, matrix testing and lay-up on the glass plate.

Problem: The need to balance between higher level module capacity, to reduce overall manufacturing costs and to enable higher throughputs has led to further platform developments of the CERTUS system.

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: As an overall goals space requirements are optimized, the handling of the strings is further reduced, in-process testing possibilities were added as well as an automatic interconnection integrated – and at the same time the output per hour further increased while achieving greater quality, according to the company. To achieve these goals, SOMONT realised significant improvements in each process step: The stringer comes very compact in a fresh and modern design. It has a new technology to apply the flux on the ribbons. Improved cell handling and the new temperature management for the unique soft touch soldering process are key for the high throughput achievements. After cell soldering, the entire string is tested with a new, in-line test system consisting of a 3-D camera, electroluminescence and dark current measurement. Only strings matching specification are forwarded with a special transport system to the matrix lay-up station. After completion of the lay-up the entire matrix is forwarded to the interconnection which handles the required ribbons and soldering fully automated. Then the completed matrix is tested and carefully placed on the glass plate.

Applications: c-Si solar cell stringing in module production.

Platform: The new CERTUS can be configured with a series of options as well as integrated in existing module production lines.

Availability: July 2010 onwards.

Read Next

Premium
October 2, 2025
Australia's solar sector delivered a strong September performance in the National Electricity Market (NEM) as the country entered spring, with combined solar PV generation reaching 3,933GWh - a 17.83% increase from August's 3,338GWh.
October 2, 2025
Spanish waste management company Trabede and energy firm Greening Group will build a solar module recycling plant in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.
October 2, 2025
The Indian solar industry has 86GW and 182GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, respectively, expected to be commissioned by 2027.
October 2, 2025
The European solar sector will lose around 5% of its jobs in 2025, the first contraction in employment for the sector in nearly a decade.
October 2, 2025
PV products using perovskite technology could assume a dominant position within the next ten years, according to module producer Qcells' CTO.
October 2, 2025
The Indian Department of Commerce has launched an antidumping investigation on solar encapsulants originating or exported from South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland