REC to use Meyer Burger’s ‘SWCT’ module technology for next-gen cell and module migration

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SWCT reduces silver consumption per heterojunction solar module by up to 75% and per PERC/PERT solar module by up to 65% which in turn reduces production costs for solar module manufacturers. Image: Meyer Burger

Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger is to supply its SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT) to integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group. 

REC Group has pioneered volume production (1GW plus nameplate capacity) of P-type multicrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) half-cut cell technology in recent years with its ‘TwinPeak’ series modules, which are produced in Singapore.

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Meyer Burger said that its SmartWire technology would be used in the manufacturing of REC’s ‘newest high efficiency solar modules’ with equipment delivered and installed starting in the second quarter of 2018. Actual capacity and financial details of the order were not disclosed. 

However, Meyer Burger told PV Tech that its SmartWire technology could be used with half-cut cells. The company had highlighted its third generation of SmartWire technology at the inaugural PV ModuleTech conference in Malaysia last year, highlighting step-function improvements for high-volume manufacturing and production cost savings of over US$5 million per 100MW production line.

The technology is designed to reduce cell to module power losses, compared to standard busbar technologies, notably in high-performance modules driven by the migration to P-type monocrystalline PERC and heterojunction (HJ) cells and reduce silver content to support lower manufactuirng costs.

Steve O’Neil, CEO of REC Group said, “With the implementation of Meyer Burger’s innovative SmartWire Connection technology to connect our ground-breaking combination of new cell technologies, we can further significantly increase the power level of our next generation high efficiency PV modules.”

Hans Brändle, CEO of Meyer Burger Technology added: “Our pioneering SmartWire Connection Technology delivers a quantum leap in solar module manufacturing technology and clearly demonstrates Meyer Burger’s leadership in driving the technology roadmap in key areas of the PV industry. We are proud of our close partnerhship with REC which is one of the most renowned international brands for solar modules. Their choice of our cutting-edge SWCT technology represents an important industry and technological milestone for us.”

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
10 March 2026
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The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

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