TÜV Süd Verifies ISO 9001:2008 Conformity
Nanosolar Achieves Certification for German Fab
Nanosolar GmbH has received ISO 9001:2008 certification from TÜV Süd Germany for its fully automated panel assembly factory in Luckenwalde, Germany. This certification covers all aspects of the manufacturing and testing of Nanosolar thin-film solar panels. more...
Electronic Pressure Switch
Flush Diaphragm for Critical Media
For industrial processes with “critical” media, Wika has expanded its range of electronic pressure switches by introducing the PSD-31 with flush diaphragm. The device is particularly suited for applications involving abrasive, aggressive, adhesive, crystalline, and viscous media. more...
Inverters
Danfoss Launches TLX 6 kW Throughout Europe
Danfoss Solar Inverters has announced the introduction of the TLX 6 kW photovoltaic inverter which became available on January 2, 2012. The six-kilowatt inverter, designed for residential use, enables customers to utilise a portion of the energy produced by a residential set-up. more...
Automatic Identification Assures Greater Reliability
Traceability for Control
Photovoltaic manufacturers place high demands on the traceability of their solar modules. Intelligent identification systems ensure reliable detection of the product ID or batch number. They reduce the risk of manufacturing defects while at the same time meeting the demand of maximum possible production reliability. more...
Fast Junction Box Connection Technology for Automated Production Process
Designed for Automation
Junction box assembly is one of the last process-relevant steps in photovoltaic module produc-tion and essentially defines the interface between module and PV system. A new connection technology is especially designed for production lines with a high level of automation. more...
Automation of Soldering
No Energy Wasted
In order to economically manufacture customer-specific machines, Somont, a manufacturer of stringer soldering machines, relies on modular automation systems and rail-mounted terminal blocks for connection technology. more...
Linear drive technology with laser sensor system and safety engineering
Knowing User Demands
Effectively quality testing can be accomplished by well-conceived integration of quality control into the production process. In addition to testing expertise and the appropriate inspection technology, such a step also requires reliable and dynamic materials handling engineering. more...
Automation of Thin-Film Plant; Concentrated Photovoltaics
High Tech Solutions for Thin-film Module Production
Experience gained in flat glass technology has enabled Grenzebach to develop production machinery for photovoltaic thin-film modules and to manage the entire automation of any thin-film production plant. more...
Not a question of faith
Wafer thickness measurement
Silicon wafers are manufactured in many countries, for chip production as well as for photovoltaic cells. Critical factors in the production process are minimising raw material usage and maximising efficiency and reliability. Measuring the wafer thickness during the process could save costs and enhance quality. more...
Adhesive
Advancing Solar Module Assembly Capability
Designed for assembly of thin-film solar substrates, Hysol Eccobond CE3103WLV from Henkel is an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) which overcomes the challenges of unstable contact resistance posed by older-generation ECAs. more...
LAYUP REDESIGNED
Automation for Efficient, Modular Layup Stations
On the basis of uniform automation technology, a leading manufacturer is now implementing modular layup stations for cell strings. The control concept developed with the supplier integrates process and safety functions. It is modular in design and open for integration into existing lines. Fully automatic layup can be performed quickly, precisely, carefully, and cost-effectively. more...
Every piece is unique
Laser Marking of Silicon Solar Cells Enhances Quality Control
Solar systems are capital-intensive goods which are operated over a long period of time. In order to impact lifetime quality requirements positively, intensified process and quality control is crucial. Laser marking provides a meaningful contribution to these requirements. more...
Disruptive changes
Solar Bypass Diodes: Then and Now (Part 2)
The solar industry is rapidly changing. A recent disruptive change has been the introduction of “Individual Solar Module Performance Monitoring” solutions. This technology, which is currently being deployed, will highlight previously unrecognised field failures of bypass diodes. Part 2 of this article describes the testing of bypass diodes and the consequences of diode failures. more...
Inspected Improvement
In-line Inspection Systems with Independent Automation
Efficient thin-film production is possible only with a reliable process and quality monitoring. Minimal defects in the individual components can result in product waste or ultimately in enormous performance losses in the completed module. An in-line thin-film inspection system helps save money and improve the efficiency of the production process – because not only examination of thin-film modules but also optimisation of all production processes must be the target. more...