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

October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 10, 2025
Australia's renewable energy sector recorded its slowest month of the year for additions in September, with 5.8GW of new projects added to development pipelines, according to data from Rystad Energy.
October 9, 2025
The Australian government has announced the results of the fourth Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, with 6.6GW of renewables awarded long-term contracts.
October 9, 2025
Solar PV is the world’s cheapest technology to generate electricity, according to a study from the University of Surrey, in the UK.
October 9, 2025
Entergy Arkansas has announced plans to build a 600MW solar-plus-storage project to support a new data centre to be built by Google.
October 9, 2025
Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries has agreed to acquire ReNew’s 300MW solar power unit in India for around US$246 million.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK