update IPVEA ConnECtIng mEmbErs to nEw oPPortunItIEs InternatIonal PhotovoltaIc equIPment assocIatIon
EU PVSEC SPECIAL EDITION
EnErgy StoragE publication launchES A new publication, Energy Storage Journal – business and market strategies for energy storage and smart grid technologies – is launching. The inaugural issue of the quarterly journal will be distributed during the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), in Frankfurt in September. Energy Storage Journal will provide industry news, forecasts and analysis of energy storage technologies, markets and policy, case studies of companies developing and commercialising energy storage equipment, exclusive editorial on energy storage products and applications and an events diary. The journal will also include details of promotions and benefits for IPVEA members regarding energy storage-related conferences, exhibitions, reports and other products and services. The publication will be made freely available to all IPVEA members during IPVEA’s AGM, taking place on the morning of 27 September 2012, which will also include an energy storage workshop.
EnErgy storagE production EvEnt for 2013 IPVEA is pleased to announce that is a partner in organising an energy storage production seminar with Messe Düsseldorf and Solarpraxis, co-organizers of Energy Storage 2013. The forum will be held as a parallel event during Energy Storage - International Summit for the Storage of Renewable Energies, 18-19 March 2013 (www.energy-storage-online.com/). The forum will focus on production technologies for batteries, fuel cells and other types of electrochemical-based storage. Details about the forum will be finalised in the coming months.
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Publisher: Bryan Ekus, IPVEA CLICK HERE TO VISIT SCHILLER AUTO Managing Editor: Sara Ver-Bruggen WEBSITE & READ MORE ABOUT THE Design: Darren Stacey, Doubletake Design Ltd IPVEA: Europe P.O. Box 1610, D-63406, Hanau, Germany IPVEA: USA P.O. Box 771507, Orlando, Florida 32877 Tel: +1 407 856 9100 IPVEA: Asia Room 603, APEC Plaza, 49 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2623 2317 Managing Director: Bryan Ekus ekus@ipvea.com Registration Number: Court Hanau VR 31714 Issued on behalf of the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA). IPVEA has used its best efforts to ensure that all the information in this publication is up-to-date. Any warranty to the correctness and actuality can not be assumed. IPVEA reserves the right to make changes or additions to the information made available at any time without notice. © 2012 International Photovoltaic Equipment Association. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of IPVEA.
ipVEa nEWS prESS rElEaSE: IPVEA favours a “Free Market PV Economy” – A critical view on the China Anti-Dumping Case in Europe A joint initiative of members of the EU solar cell and panel manufacturing industry is requesting the European Commission to investigate whether Chinese competitors dumped PV products at below-market rates on regional markets. As such, the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) has reviewed the statements from like-minded trade associations and has concluded that it is generally also against the imposition of any punitive tariffs. “It is essential for the PV industry to foster a globally independent and competitive PV industry than to support measures that complicate the access to any of its core markets,” states Bryan Ekus, Managing Director of IPVEA. Representing manufacturers and suppliers of PV fabrication equipment and related raw materials, IPVEA is interested in collaborating with other associations to make joint industry statements rather than having separate declarations. The International Photovoltaic Equipment Association will discuss this position and further measures during the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition taking place from 24 to 28 September 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany, and invites like-minded trade associations to come together to lay out a common industry statement. In the past year, Chinese manufacturers provided about 68 percent of solar panels compared with 40 percent in 2009, the London-based researcher Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates. Companies in EU countries produced about 11.5 percent of panels in 2011 versus 19 percent in 2009 while the US’s share has dropped to 9 percent from 23 percent in the same period. Germany’s Environment Minister Peter Altmaier said, on July 19, that the country would support the commission should it start an anti-dumping probe. Since July 26 when the EU ProSun initiative filed the complaint, the European Commission has 45 days to decide whether it will start an investigation. A similar complaint in the US led President Barack Obama’s administration in March to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar manufacturers. The Commerce Department in May ruled that they sold products below cost and introduced levies ranging from 31 percent to 250 percent. 2 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
IPVEA board member candidates announced IPVEA is pleased to announce two candidates for joining its board:
Left:
Enis Ersü, CEO Isra Vision
Right: Frank Tinnefeld, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Schmid Group The new board and advisory board members will be voted in at IPVEA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), during EU PVSEC in Frankfurt. REMINDER: IPVEA still has two positions open on the advisory board. Please email ekus@ipvea.com to register interest.
IPVEA AGM details Date: 27 September 2012 Time: 8:30 – 10.00 Location: Analog 2, Forum Level 0. Other discussion points at the AGM will include the supported event calendar, new directions for IPVEA in 2013 and an exclusive energy storage workshop being given by EuPD Research.
INSIDE IPVEA
IPVEA members receive Mercom solar intelligence reports free of charge As a new benefit, IPVEA members now receive week solar market intelligence reports produced by Mercom Capital Group. With the overload of news and information in today’s market place, Mercom’s reports are the result of collecting, analyzing and processing thousands of news items, market commentaries, statistics and more, and distilling it down to the most important insights and analysis – saving valuable time for subscribers. Mercom’s report subscribers and clients include c-level executives and decision makers from public and private companies, industry associations, investment banks, venture firms, private equity groups, government agencies, policy groups, educational institutions and more. Mercom Capital Group is a new breed of communications firm, offering public relations, investor relations and market intelligence services that reach deep into the clean energy and healthcare technology industries. www.mercomcapital.com
IPVEA Board of Directors Elke Hoffmann, vice treasurer (Jonas & Redmann) ortrun aßländer, secretary (Day4 ecoTec) steffen günther, treasurer (Reis Robotics) Ludgar Wahlers, board member (ISRA Vision Solar) patrick Binkowska, vice president (Leybold Optics) carsten Busch, board member (ABB Automation) stefan schiller, vice president (Schiller Automation) sven E. Jarby, president (Oerlikon) Bryan Ekus, managing director (not pictured)
IPVEA at EU PVSEC Visit the IPVEA booth, at C2 in Hall 3.0, where you can chat to our representatives and collect a pack that includes: The IPVEA brochure, which explains the association’s scope of activities, collaborations, and details a great value membership rate all for €3000.00 a year The latest copy of Update – IPVEA’s official newsletter features the latest on IPVEA’s activities, booth numbers of IPVEA members and equipment launches from member companies, details of events and discounts available to IPVEA members as well as an exclusive interview with IPVEA’s managing director on the state of the industry Inaugural issue of Energy Storage Journal – a new product published by IPVEA that explores business opportunities and market strategies in energy storage, featuring news, forecasts, case studies, and in-depth editorials on energy storage technologies and applications Why not visit some of IPVEA’s members that are also exhibiting on the booth: Linde AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a global leading supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases, including thin film and crystalline photovoltaic applications. The company provides facilities and equipment for gas applications. Oerlikon provides engineering, technology, solutions and services for customers in textile, automotive, surface technology, energy, process and electronic industries. Dr Schenck, headquartered in Munich, Germany, provides comprehensive solutions for automated quality assurance and production process monitoring to the solar module, flat glass, film and foil, converting, paper, optical media and semiconductor industries. Leybold Optics, headquartered in Alzenau, Germany, is a leading developer and producer of vacuum deposition equipment for a broad range of industries, including photovoltaics, spanning key processes including sputtering, PECVD, plasma assisted evaporation, machine automation and software. The lounge on IPVEA’s booth is available for members and invited guests to relax, meet and have a coffee from the booth barista – we look forward to seeing you there! IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 3
ipVEa MEMbErS at Eu pVSEc 3S Modultec 3S Photovoltaics - 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG ABB Automation Products GmbH Applied Materials Beneq Despatch Industries Diamond Wire Dr. Schenk GmbH Industriemesstechnik E+H Metrology GmbH Ferrotec GmbH Gebr. Schmid GmbH GfE Metalle und Materialien GmbH Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH Hennecke Systems GmbH InnoLas Systems GmbH Intevac, Inc. Isra Surface Vision GmbH Jonas & Redmann Group GmbH KITEC microelectronic technologie GmbH KLA-Tencor 3.0/H21 Komax Solar Inc. LayTec in-line GmbH Leybold Optics GmbH Linde Electronics GmbH & Co. KG LPKF SolarQuipment GmbH Manz AG MB Wafertec Meyer Burger Technology Ltd. OTTO-CHEMIE Herrmann Otto GmbH Pall GmbH Pasan SA REIS ROBOTICS, Reis GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik RENA GmbH Robert B端rkle GmbH ROFIN-BAASEL Lasertech GmbH & Co. KG Roth & Rau AG SEMILAB Semiconductor Physics Laboratory Co., Ltd. Sika Services AG SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG Smit Ovens B.V. Soleras Advanced Coatings N.V. SOMONT GmbH teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH Tempress TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH VITRONIC Dr.-Ing. Stein Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH VON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH 4 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
3.0/E2 3.0/E2 3.1/B4 3.0/G10 3.0/F5 3.0/D2 3.0/E2 3.0/C2 3.0/G5 3.1/E15 3.0/B6 3.0/E11 3.0/J41 3.0/E2 3.0/G17b 3.0/E3 3.0/G2 3.0/B33 3.0/D9 3.0/B32 3.0/D3 3.0/F28b 3.0/C2 3.0/D11 3.0/D11a 3.0/E2 3.0/E2 3.1/D4 3.0/F4 3.0/E2 3.0/E7 3.0/C20 3.0/E6 3.0/B28 3.0/E2 3.0/C4 3.0/F15 3.0/H18 3.0/C16 3.0/D7 3.0/E2 3.0/B29 3.0/B34 3.0/B7 3.0/H5 3.0/E13
Eu pVSEc proDuctS prEViEW DEK solAr DEK Solar is committed to developing advanced technologies and processes that help customers reduce costs and optimise photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency. Apollo, a next-generation integrated cell manufacturing metallisation platform, is DEK Solar’s latest offering. The platform has been designed to improve performance and help manufacturers to meet the future challenges of the solar industry.
The market for the Apollo is broad and will appeal to all cell makers. Proven modular processing on demand delivers cost effective production in R&D through to volume manufacturing. With market leading accuracy, increased capability and advanced features, Apollo allows DEK Solar to offer a comprehensive portfolio of metallisation platforms for the complete spectrum of PV customers, from entry level start up through to the multinational cell makers. For more information, please email Darren Brown (dwbrown@dek.com) or Jens Katschke (jkatschke@dek. com) or visit DEK Solar at www.deksolar.com.
Apollo is an integrated cell manufacturing system whose advanced automated features optimise accuracy for Print-on-Print and Selective Emitter processes and offer customers repeatability as well as high performance in an industry-leading small footprint, single line configuration. With ±10 micron accuracy @ 2 Cpk capability, Apollo sets a standard in throughput and flexibility. Featuring topside cameras for fiducial or pattern alignment, and incorporating handling systems, conveyoring, drying equipment and the ability to integrate directly with other PV production processes, Apollo is the foundation for DEK’s new generation of solar cell metallisation solutions. Key features of Apollo include: Breakage rate < 0.15% 1450 wafers per hour Single lane, smallest footprint Optimised for high accuracy such as PoP and SE Non edge contact wafer transport Increased process flexibility MES capability 6 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
MEMBER NEWS
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth g17b, Hall 3
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth E3, Hall 3.0
InnolAs
IntEVAC
Innolas ILS TT DS: A machine concept for laser processing Contact Opening and Selective Emitter Doping of solar cells
Intevac will be exhibiting at EU PVSEC. Please be our guest and come by to learn more about our revolutionary, high value, low-cost solutions for the solar industry.
The Innolas Systems ILS TT DS laser processing system is equipped with laser source(s) and two optics for high throughput. Using the appropriate laser source and optics, the ILS TT DS can be used for both Contact Opening and Selective Emitter Doping. Both process steps are important for a high efficiency of crystalline solar cells. Innolas Systems has recently delivered six such systems to a large manufacturer of PV cells. This customer uses the ILS TT in a production line with several 100 MW production capacity.
Intevac ENERGi is an innovative ion implant system specifically designed to meet the cost, efficiency and productivity requirements of solar cell manufacturing. ENERGi, a continuous flux ion source system, offers manufacturers the most cost-effective and extendible replacement for diffusion-based POCl3 doping systems. Intevac ENERGi incorporates enabling technologies to improve cell efficiency and lower manufacturing cost per watt. Based on our industry-leading production-proven platforms ENERGi meets the solar industry cost reduction roadmap today and is extendible to accommodate future advanced cell architectures and increased efficiency requirements. The system is designed with Intevac’s signature small footprint and easy serviceability. Intevac ENERGi decreases cost of ownership and improves efficiency, by the following:
Innolas Sytems will present the concept of this twin laser system at the upcoming EU PVSEC trade show, where visitors will have a chance to discuss the concept with Innolas experts. The ILS TT DS is designed to use laser sources and optics that are optimized for a given application. This allows to combine the main processing steps for PERC cells with local rear contacts in one system. PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) increases the efficiency crystalline solar cells to far above 19%. The ILS TT DS system allows a throughput of up to 3600 cells per hour.
Improved emitter profiles for higher cell efficiency and narrower distribution Wide energy range capability for customer required junction depths Simultaneous Homogeneous and Selective Emitter formation High quality, full amorphisation close to the surface High throughput at 2400 wafers per hour (P and N-type) Simple annealing process Solid phase epitaxial re-growth (SPER) with no defects Substrate temperature control capability for defect engineering Fast and robust beam tuning Enabling N-type cells and new cell architectures Simplified P- and N-type process flow steps Retrofittable into existing lines
IPVEA UPDATE | JULY 2012 | 7
Eu pVSEc proDuctS prEViEW Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth d3, Hall 3.0
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth E7, Hall 3.0
lAytEC
rEIs robotICs
X Link - evaluating EVA cross-link within seconds, in-line, and non-destructively.
Standardised module production systems from Reis Robotics ranges from 10 MW up to 600 MW production capacity per line.
LayTec´s newest product X Link was launched in May 2012. Directly after lamination with the EVA foil LayTec´s X Link system enables a fast and non-destructive evaluation of the degree of cross-linking. This makes X Link a unique solution for routine PV production line process control. LayTec X Link can be applied during the manufacturing of Si solar cell modules and offers complete coverage. The degree of cross-linking is derived in a few seconds and can be directly fed back for quality control and process optimisation.
Reis Robotics presents the latest developments for quality assurance and cost saving in fully automated production lines for solar modules. The innovative company from Obernburg am Main, Germany, demonstrates again how production output and quality of solar modules can be increased simultaneously in existing production systems.
The current standard tests, such as gel content test or DSC, are slow, destructive, manual, and rather inaccurate. Only small sample fractions are possible and results are delayed for several hours or even days. X Link replaces these costly tests and eliminates module failure due to in-homogeneous EVA foil feedstock. X Link generates additional savings by optimising lamination process times and thereby increasing throughput of the vacuum laminator tools. The 100% proof of proper lamination of every module enables the module customers and investors to improve their risk management and thus the bankability of PV projects.
Reis Robotics will once again demonstrate quality and cost reduction capability. Reis Robotics is a company known worldwide for its reliability in the field of automated production of solar panels. Since 2005 renowned solar panel manufacturers worldwide have been relying on both flexible and standardised module assembly systems of this supplier from the Frankfurt area. Meanwhile more than 130 installed Reis automated systems are producing solar modules for more than 6 GW annually of additional solar power. Reis knows every necessary production process step of solar panels because the company itself helped develop them on the basis of its automation and handling knowhow. As a result, every customer will get an individual solution based on standards with best possible price/ performance ratio. So, single production cells are provided as well as complete production lines - from project planning to commissioning. At the customer’s request options include manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic production systems for crystalline silicon, thin film, and solar thermal module production. Eight subsidiaries worldwide ensure constant high integration results, after sales service and customer service.
8 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
MEMBER NEWS
HIGH-TECH PRODUCTION PLANTS
We look forward to your EU PVSEC Frankfur visit: t Hall 3 | Booth J41
Grenzebach – Ready for CPV
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth c4, Hall 3.0
sEmIlAb After years of growth, the solar industry is facing unprecedented challenges in the global downturn. One of the key strategies to grow individual companies’ market share is to develop and market products with higher performance at lower price.
Grenzebach supplies tailor-made and innovative all-in-one solutions for semi- and fully automated CPV module manufacturing: – Base plate assembly lines – Handling equipment for lens plate manufacturing – Sub and main module assembly lines – Module quality assurance (e.g. Flasher, Hi-Pot, electroluminescence,…) – Scalable and expandable production lines Grenzebach stands for: – More than 40 years of glass handling experience – Innovative, customized solutions – tailored to CPV requirements – Best precision for highest quality requirements – Complete control solutions with customized Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) – Experience gained from implemented projects – Sustainable use of environmental resources – Stable value of a family business
To achieve this, intensive R&D investment and efforts are necessary and tighter process control along with new process control techniques need to be implemented. Semilab, the global leader in providing material characterisation and process control solutions for crystalline silicon photovoltaic manufacturing, has responded to the new demands from its production partners by introducing the high speed, high resolution photoluminescence imaging (PLI) product line. PLI complements Semilab’s other well-known products which are already applied in-line in most PV fabs. PLI works by using a custom-designed illumination source to excite minority charge carriers in the material. A special enhanced camera captures the luminescence image occurring during the recombination process. Semilab’s PLI products carry this out in less than one second for a whole wafer. PLI is suitable for in-line use, to examine as-cut or processed wafers. Some of the PLI applications include real time imaging of contaminated areas in silicon, identifying grain boundaries and defects in multicrystalline wafers, spot dislocations in mono-like wafers, and visualising oxygen-induced stacking faults in monocrystalline wafers. After processing, emitter quality or passivation can also be monitored. Semilab’s PLI tool features an exceptional image quality (with back-side or front-side illumination to use at different processing stages), and the unique possibility of calibrating the image with Semilab’s industry-leading carrier lifetime measurement.
Grenzebach – Your Perfect Partner for CPV Lines
www.grenzebach.com Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH Germany | Phone: +49 906 982-2000 | info@grenzebach.com Grenzebach Corporation USA | Phone: +1 770 253-4980 | info.gn@grenzebach.com Grenzebach Machinery (Shanghai) Ltd. China | Phone: +86 21 6126-8000 | info.gs@grenzebach.com
GB_ANZ_CPV_Solar_210x297_2012_V02.indd 1
09.07.12 16:38
N E W inescence in-line inspection tool TE R MAS Electrolum D L E I Y LARSCAN SO
chnology Premierteti:me all benefits of thpeeEctiLoten For the firs the automated ins le in are feasib
A „must“ for your cell production
The revolutionary quality tool for module production Benefits SOLARSCAN -YIELD MASTER: ROI in 3 month • Reduce the false rejects by factor of minimum 6 • Increase your maximum quality output by at least 3 % • Reduce production cycle more than “ 3 ” times
www.israsolarvision.com IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 9
Eu pVSEc proDuctS prEViEW Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth f15, Hall 3.0
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth B29, Hall 3.0
sIKA
tEAmtEChnIK
Cost-effective solutions for the PV industry
Teamtechnik STRINGER TT1200 HS solders now at 1400 cycles
Efficient manufacturing processes and new approaches are required for savings in material and resources, higher outputs, new designs and secured long term performance.
Teamtechnik Group, the international market leader in stringer technology, presents its new system generation at EU PVSEC 2012 in Frankfurt. The STRINGER TT1200 HS solders solar cell strings in a 2.5 second cycle on just one track, outpacing its predecessor by 200 cycles, and is currently the fastest single-track stringer system on the market.
With the newest developments of innovative adhesive, sealant and potting solutions Sika responds to these requirements. With the new innovation of Sikasil® AS-780, Sika is introducing a new generation of two-component silicone technology for process integrated backrail bonding. This unique product makes it now feasible to bond the mounting devices and handle the assembled parts within the standard production lines and cycles without the need for complex buffer zones or pre-fixation devices. Furthermore, the appearing tolerances between modules and mounting device are compensated by the paste-like adhesive. At the same time the Sikasil® AS-780 meets the requirements of structural glazing standard for façades. Throughout the exhibition the Sikasil® AS-780 will be showcased with a live demonstration. Sikasil® AS-787 SL features an excellent flowing behaviour and a very short non-flow time to reduce storing time before handling and packaging. The proven weatherability and excellent adhesion to common PV materials ensure long-term performance. With a UL 94 V-0 certification the product proves for the highest flammability rating. Thanks to the perfect balance of raw materials no sedimentation occurs and therefore no mixing is required prior to usage, like with other potting materials.
10 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
One single track means higher throughput per soldering process, less complexity, a lower requirement for replacement parts and fewer operators. With availability at over 95%, the system ensures stable production 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Teamtechnik will be giving a live production demonstration at the trade fair in Frankfurt, on stand 9.00 / Hall 3.0. Every day at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. STRINGER TT1200 HS will be soldering high-quality solar cell strings with IR light technology. Teamtechnik uses a unique design of hold-down device in its systems to separate the actual soldering process from the cell-handling process, allowing 1400 cycles/hour, with a cycle time of 2.5 seconds with just one track. This hold-down device also ensures a safe process and perfect string geometry. At the same time, it guarantees extremely low breakage rates – from 0.1-0.3%, depending on the type of cell. Teamtechnik is also presenting a standardised 70 MW system – a flexible modular package consisting of two STRINGER TT1200s and a layup that can be tailored to different applications and to a range of cell and glass sizes. The 70 MW systems are equipped with tried and trusted technology which makes them easy to install on the customer’s premises.
MEMBER NEWS
Eu pvsEc 2012: Meet us at our Booth H5, Hall 3.00
VItronIC VINSPEC SOLAR inspection systems make manual checking a thing of the past In order to keep up with the enormous pressure from competitors, manufacturers of wafers, cells and modules count on maximum product quality while retaining optimum efficiency and the lowest possible production costs.
YOU HAVE CHALLENGES? WE OFFER SOLUTIONS! DISCOVER OUR EFFICIENCY-BOOSTING PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT FOR CSI AND TFS
VITRONIC VINSPEC SOLAR inspection systems allow automated optical quality inspection without manual checking – even for production capacities in the GW range and high production throughputs. Optical inspection using machine vision guarantees coating and printing processes at the highest level of quality. Solar cells can be checked on the front and back for colour, print, surface and geometry to ensure the highest quality and sorted for further processing. In module production, the systems also allow a high level of automation; electroluminescence makes even invisible differences in quality visible so that they can be evaluated.
As one of the world’s leading technology providers in the photovoltaic industry with production and R&D facilities in Europe and Asia, Manz offers a full range of single equipment or totally integrated production lines. They combine the unbeatable competitive advantages of German
high-tech engineering with highest quality standards and local production, sales and service in Asia. That means for our customers: lowest cost of ownership, highest efficiency and yield, and thus the most profitable solution ever.
Manz AG · 72768 Reutlingen · Germany · info@manz.com · www.manz.com
Modular structure for individual solutions The software of the VINSPEC SOLAR inspection systems has a modular structure and uses a separate module for each step in the inspection process. If a new busbar shape changes the cell layout, for example, only a single software module needs to be replaced, while the rest of the software remains unchanged. Even if the manufacturer wants to integrate new inspection criteria all it takes is the installation of a new module, ensuring flexibility and low costs in new inspection requirements. The hardware consists of line or matrix cameras, illumination and application-specific evaluation. All systems are integrated into the factory’s MES in order to make it easier to control the plant and archive the data collected as well as use it in optimization processes. IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 11
KEy EVEntS Monday 24 September 2012 Time: 14:30–18:00 Access: Open to all IPVEA members and participants of the 27th EU PVSEC Messe Frankfurt, Germany
emergence of a market? What framework is to be observed and what impact will public funding initiatives have on the German storage market? What impact has the rise of distributed storage on the energy transition?
EuroPE – AsIA PV Forum
IPVEA members are entitled to a 10% discount on the ticket prices stated below.
The Europe – Asia PV Forum is produced together with the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) and is supported by the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA), European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), and the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA).
Please email to Verena Grollmann – v.grollmann@eupd-research to secure both your ticket and discount for this event.
The event will take place on the first Conference day at the 27th EUPVSEC in Frankfurt from 14:30 to 18:00 and addresses PV Industry leaders, representatives from politics, finance and research. A moderated round table session will discuss the following two topics: How to support PV solar political cooperation, PV in the energy mix - Which innovation and industry policy is required to get sustainable markets on a fast track? How to facilitate PV trade opportunities and fair competition in the globalized PV markets? More information on the 1st Europe - Asia PV Forum will be published on www.ipvea.org
10 October 2012 Stuttgart, Germany
storAgE & solAr brIEFIng 2012 With focus on the various entry opportunities in the storage market in connection with the PV industry, the Storage & Solar Briefing 2012 will offer a platform for industry experts to respond to queries, and demonstrate their market-oriented solutions. Specific topics will be covered, which in practice are still associated with increased uncertainty or insecurity and under certain circumstances presently block market growth. What makes a successful market entry? Which partners are needed and what are the target prices required for the
12 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
EuPD Research is hosting the event at the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport & Trade Fair.
PARTICIPATION FEES Early Bird before 17th August 2012: €430.00 Participation Fee (Standard): €495.00 Late Bird from 21st September 2012: €560.00
23-28 October 2012 Düsseldorf, Germany
solAr mEEts glAss Solar Meets Glass – 3rd Industry Summit for Markets, Costs and Technology once again reunites glass and solar industries at glasstec/solarpeq 2012. One day before Glasstec, the world’s most important trade fair for the glass sector and Solarpeq, its “sister” event for solar production equipment, experts from the glass and solar systems industry will address issues of common interest. Solar Meets Glass aims to promote expert exchange between both industries in this unique environment worldwide in order to show the glass industry new sales opportunities while providing the solar industry with new impulses in the race for higher efficiency rates and lower costs. The conference agenda has been put together by Messe Düsseldorf in cooperation with Solarpraxis, one of the leading conference organisers in the field of renewable energies, and targets producers of thin-film and crystalline silicon PV, solar system integrators and manufacturers of PV assembly systems. Furthermore, it addresses the producers of automation technology, glass manufacturers, system suppliers for glass applications and glass mounting systems as well as upstream suppliers to the glass and solar sectors.
EVENTS
The first day of the conference will deal with manufacturing technology, efficiency as well as materials and costs associated with PV glass. The second day addresses two central themes: trends, new markets and technologies revolving around building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) as well as recycling of PV modules. The theme of (re-)using solar modules is also offered as an option and addressed extensively in two sessions compiled in cooperation with the bvse – Federal Association Secondary Raw Materials and Disposal and the “Forum Glastechnik” of the German Machine and Plant Manufacturers’ Association (VDMA).
IPVEA members will benefit from a 10% discount on the attendance fee. Contact David Gaden for more information (davidgaden@solarpraxis.de +49 (0) 30/72 62 96 373)
28–29 November 2012 Phoenix, Arizona
4th PV PowEr PlAnts ConFErEnCE – usA 2012 The 4th PV Power Plants conference, organized by
The participation fee for Solar Meets Glass is €595. This fee includes a 2-day ticket to visit glasstec/solarpeq plus the solarpeq exhibition catalogue. The conference language is English. The Recycling Session of the bvse can be booked separately at a cost of €60. Here the lectures will be presented in German and interpreted simultaneously into English. The complete conference agenda plus additional information is available at www.solarpeq.de.
Solarpraxis, will encompass a new element called “ZEROING
To enquire about the special partner rate available to IPVEA members and booking details, contact Heiko Stutzinger at Messe Düsseldorf - StutzingerH@messe-duesseldorf.de
and quality of materials are pressing issues in a rapidly changing
IN ON TECHNOLOGY”. This element will bring you additional conference sessions providing in-depth technology driven topics, which had been introduced and well received at the recent Solarpraxis Inverter and PV System Technology conference hosted in San Francisco. System costs and technology as well as the long term durability market. Developers who obtain and implement high quality and bankable products will continue to be at the forefront of the market.
30–31 October 2012 Shanghai, China
PV moDulE AnD PV PowEr PlAnt worKshoP - ChInA 2012 Conditions for the PV industry are changing rapidly, worldwide. The drastic decline in module prices and intense level of competition are accelerating the market’s development. Reductions in production costs, successful innovation and all-round quality assurance are, increasingly, key factors for commercial success. Solarpraxis invites you to find out about new technological developments at the first ‘PV Module and PV Power Plant Workshop, China 2012’, which is a collaboration with TÜV Rheinland. The first day addresses issues facing module technology (coverings, metallization and encapsulation), test methods and measurement techniques. Day two will focus on quality assurance, testing and certification of PV modules. Cases of actual damage and related basic issues will be dealt with during the event, as will new trends in quality assurance and aspects of testing and certification. The conference will be held in English and Chinese (simultaneous interpretation available).
IPVEA members will benefit from a 10% discount on the attendance fee and should contact David Gaden for more information (email davidgaden@solarpraxis.de +49 (0) 30/72 62 96 373)
22-23 November 2012 Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin
13th Forum solArPrAxIs
IPVEA member discounts still available There is still time for IPVEA members to secure a discount to attend the 13th Forum Solarpraxis, Europe’s leading solar industry conference. The event will bring industry players into contact with representatives from politics, the financial world, the press and the industry’s suppliers. PARTICIPATION FEES For IPVEA members the following price offers are available, based on attending both days and includes: conference documentation, coffee breaks with snacks, two buffet lunches, buffet dinner on Thursday evening, 22 November: After 1 September 2012: After 9 November 2012:
€795.00 (standard €945.00) €945.00 (standard €1095.00)
IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 13
“ The PV industry that will emerge will most certainly be much leaner.”
14 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
EXCLUSIVE
IPVEA’s perspective on the PV industry…
this article is published in the upcoming issue of the international Sustainable Energy review (iSEr) which features an interview with ipVEa’s managing director, bryan Ekus. ISER: How can the industry push forward in achieving grid parity? bE: there is still the prevailing view that once grid parity is achieved then true mass market potential of solar pV will be unlocked. that is a rather simplistic stance in the current circumstances. anyone who has been following the travails of solar photovoltaic (pV) companies at close quarters over the past 12 months is aware of an industry going through the typical motions of reaching maturity – consolidation – but at breakneck speed. capacity has been reached very quickly, but with slackening demand the industry is left in a fragile state as there is not enough of it to sustain the sheer numbers of producers that exist. on one hand this trimming of the excess is good, but in many cases the businesses that
have suffered have been in the industry for many years. there seems to be room at one end for producers with lots of capacity able to achieve economies of scale to drive down prices, with access to deep pockets to see them through the worst of the crisis, or at the other end of the spectrum, small and niche producers. companies have tried to operate further downstream because simply making and selling pV modules is a very tough business to be in right now. the pV industry that will emerge will most certainly be much leaner. those that survive this ‘baptism by fire’ will have the capacity and the manufacturing technology investments in place to continue driving down production costs, improving yields and producing modules with higher efficiencies. these will contribute to solar pV achieving
‘grid parity’ in the coming years. but, regardless of the price of solar electricity, unless the electricity grid adapts – with more incorporation of storage and smart grid technologies – then intermittent renewable energy generation, such as pV, always risks being marginalised because the grid in its current form can only accept so much of an intermittent source of energy, such as solar, without risk of destabilising. in some markets that threshold is close to being breached. We see an industry that is both contending with day-to-day survival as insolvencies continue and also addressing what is arguably the bigger, long-term challenge of helping to create an electricity grid that is able to utilize solar pV extensively.
IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 15
ISER: How important is the relationship between the industry and their respective governments? What does a harmonious relationship bring? bE: in recent months the solar pV industry is making lots of political, as well as business, headlines – more than is necessarily good for the industry right now and we risk losing sight of the tremendous inroads that solar pV has made in recent years. We are concerned with how a globally independent and competitive pV industry can be fostered and maintained rather than support measures that complicate the access to any of its core markets.
“We are concerned with how a globally independent and competitive pV industry can be fostered and maintained rather than support measures that complicate the access to any of its core markets.”
i would like to add that the efforts of local solar and renewable energy associations should be commended as they function as the interface between government, industry and the public. in emerging pV markets which typically have high solar potential but which tend to still be heavily reliant on fossil fuels and cautious about embracing new forms of energy generation, associations are doing a really important job of establishing dialogue between government and industry, and breaking down some pre-conceptions about pV. Even in markets where renewables and pV have been subsidised for some time the challenge for associations has been to keep the lines of communication open with governments, especially as the market has developed very rapidly. in uncertain times, industry associations have critical roles to play in ensuring that our sector is represented clearly and fairly. We know that solar pV by its very nature cannot exist in isolation and that increasing renewable energy generation is just part of the challenge. the renewables revolution, be it solar, wind or other technology, is forcing us to think about how energy is produced, stored, distributed and so on, which has a far reaching impact on the wider electricity infrastructure and market. When you look at it from this perspective, no one can afford to operate with a ‘silo’ mentality and cooperation is critical. Fortunately, from ipVEa’s efforts and experience, this spirit of openness is working and we are doing exciting
16 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
things with associations that are representing adjacent sectors or those that are representing solar in new markets.
ISER: R&D is essential within the sector – what needs to be done to maintain a strong programme? bE: post-Solyndra, in the midst of global recession where governments are struggling to justify investment in r&D programmes and venture capital is chasing new cleantech opportunities, certainly solar is not the rising star of the hi-tech boom it was a few years ago. but pV still accounts for less than half a percent of global electricity supply. that speaks volumes – pV has enormous potential to come down in cost and fulfil many applications for renewable energy generation. like any hi-tech industry we will always advocate for more support, not necessarily for fundamental research or start-up funding, but to ease the stretch between lab-to-fab. this is where many promising young companies with a sound technology and strategy risk failure right now. the ‘Solyndras’ and the ‘Konarkas’ make the headlines and are used to show that pV is somehow a failure, the reality is that the success stories in terms of start-ups, companies such as innovalight which got bought by Dupont, get forgotten or overlooked. the majority of pV manufacturing is now done in asia, as bloomberg new Energy Finance estimates chinese manufacturers have produced almost 70% of the world’s solar panels, compared with 40% three years ago. While manufacturing is shifting to asia, pV producers – ones that intend to survive long term – have never been more reliant on production technology and most of this is supplied by companies originating in Europe – germany in particular – and also the uS. in the past four years efficiencies of monocrystalline silicon solar cells have increased on average by 2%, which means modules today have more power output. Many manufacturers have roadmaps that continue to push up cell efficiencies. this is not possible without r&D and innovation, in fields that include automation and robotics, laser systems, wet chemical processing, machine vision and
EXCLUSIVE other areas of technology. there is a lot of debate about whether the focus should be on cutting production costs or on increasing cell efficiencies. right now cutting production costs is favoured and this is achievable by improving yields and automating more processes. if you look at more mature industries such as automotive, electronics and semiconductors, these are the result of many years of innovation in production technology. the pV industry may have originated from semiconductor production processes and technology – all new industries have to start somewhere – but the production tools and systems available today are designed specifically for pV production, which means that modules are going to continue to improve in performance. continued improvement in product performance and reductions in manufacturing costs relies on closer partnerships between asian manufacturers and technology partners in Eu and the uS.
ISER: What emerging markets are important to the sector at the moment? bE: there are several, including china, Japan – both of which have introduced feed-in tariffs (Fit) schemes – india is also interesting, southeast asia, brazil too. these emerging markets all have their merits, but there is not one that on its own can absorb the slack in demand from Europe – germany mainly. in the long term this will be better as it means the industry does not come to rely on a single subsidised market, which was the problem with Spain and italy. We are, hopefully, on the cusp of many new markets opening up, many of which are in the sun-belt where high levels of irradiation can shorten the payback time. reaching grid parity is seen as the litmus test of whether pV is successful or not, but the real challenge ahead is thinking about the whole equation – the storage and the smart grid model is the other side and the industry is working to address this. We are seeing closer cooperation between pV and energy storage suppliers, more pilot projects that seek to test pV and energy storage, self-consumption models. again germany is taking the lead with revisions to ErneuerbareEnergien-gesetz (EEg) – german renewable
Subsidies have been fundamental in kickstarting pV and its uptake around the world, beyond off-grid, but this is a phase and we are entering a period of transition. Energy act – introducing an incentive for self-consumption of pV generated electricity. Subsidies have been fundamental in kickstarting pV and its uptake around the world, beyond off-grid, but this is a phase and we are entering a period of transition. the growth of global pV capacity in the next five, 10, 15, 20 years and more will be enabled by storage and smart grid solutions.
ISER: How important is the PV Matrix – what benefits can it bring? bE: the concept of the pV Matrix grew out of the need to provide a knowledge tool that could help to demystify production for producers, suppliers and investors. From the production of silicon wafers to the final testing of panels before shipping there can be as many as 200 different processing steps. pV production is getting more sophisticated, more exact – it has to be if production costs are to come down, which means using less material per solar cell, improving yields, increasing throughput. then if you factor in the push towards higher cell efficiencies, this requires additional steps. pV production is being very closely scrutinised right now and this means that the pV Matrix is highly relevant, because it breaks out the different processing steps that go into making pV panels and it allows suppliers of production tools to clearly show where their systems fit into the supply chain. Some operate in multiple areas, whereas others are highly specialised but as each process step is broken down the pV Matrix is able to show which companies specialise in each of these. We have positive hopes for the pV Matrix in future as manufacturing is shifting virtually wholesale to asia, mainly china, there will be increasing demand for a clear break down of production technology and how these correlate to producing modules with better performance and streamlining production plants. IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 17
ipVEa MEMbErS IPVEA mEmbEr ComPAnIEs 3S Modultec 3S photovoltaics 3-S Swiss Solar Systems ag abb automation gmbh aEg power Solutions gmbh aiS automation Dresden gmbh aMb apparate + Maschinenbau gmbh applied Materials aSyS automatisierungssysteme gmbh bosch rexroth Mechatronics gmbh btu international, inc. buerkle gmbh ch2M hill Day4 Eco-tec Decker anlagenbau gmbh Dek Solar gmbh Despatch industries Diamond Materials tech, inc Dr. Schenk gmbh industriemesstechnik Dr. Schwab inspection technology gmbh E+h Metrology gmbh Ferrotec gmbh gfE Metalle und Materialien gmbh grenzebach Maschinenbau gmbh heateflex corporation hennecke Systems gmbh hermann otto gmbh icoS Vision Systems ina lineartechnik innolas gmbh intEVac iSra ViSion ag Jonas & redmann photovoltaic’s production Solutions gmbh Kitec microelectronic technologie gmbh Kla-tencor Komax Solar ag Kuka Systems corporation north america Kuka Systems gmbh laytec gmbh leybold optics gmbh linde ag lohmann gmbh & co. Kg lotuS Systems gmbh lpkf SolarQuipment gmbh lSW Maschinenfabrik gmbh 18 | IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012
M+W germany gmbh Manz ag Meier Solar Solutions gmbh Meyer burger Services / Meyer burger ag Meyer burger ag – Swiss Slicing Systems Meyer burger automation gmbh Meyer burger robotics / Meyer burger Wafertec newport Spectra - physics gmbh oc oerlikon Management ag, pfaffikon oerlikon leybold Vacuum gmbh oerlikon Solar / oerlikon Systems ortner c.l.s. gmbh otb Solar b.V. pall gmbh paSan Sa plansee SE reis gmbh & co. Kg Maschinenfabrik rEna gmbh ricMar technology gmbh robert burkle gmbh rofin baasel lasertech gmbh & co. Kg roth & rau – ortner gmbh / roth & rau ag roth & rau italy S.r.l. Schaeffler technologies gmbh SchillEr autoMation gmbh & co. Kg Schmid gmbh + co., gebr. SEMilab Semiconductor physics laboratory, co., ltd. SEntEch instruments gmbh Sierra therm production Furnaces Sika ag SinguluS Stangl Solar gmbh SlS Solar line Saxony gmbh Smit ovens b.V. Soleras ltd Somont gmbh StEin automation gmbh & co. Kg SynoVa S.a. targray technology international inc. team technik Maschinen und anlagen gmbh tecnofimes S.r.l tempress Systems b.V. truMpF laser- und Systemtechnik gmbh + co. Kg Veeco instruments gmbh Vitronic Dr.-ing. Stein bildverarbeitungssysteme gmbh Von arDEnnE anlagentechnik gmbh
EVENTS PV PRODUCTION FORUM 2012 Day: Location: Time: Access:
Wednesday, 26 September 2012 Europa, Hall 4.0 09:00 – 18:00 Open to all registered participants of the 27th EU PVSEC
PROgRaMMe OUTlINe (Subject to change without notice) 9:00-9:30
Business Outlook: Solar Industry 2013 Finlay Colville, Vice President and Team Leader, NPD Solarbuzz
9:30-10:00
Panel Session -Equipment Executive Roundtable Discussion Moderator: Panel Session John West, President, VLSI Research Europe Limited
Networking Break 10:30-11:10
Panel Session - Energy Storage: The Next Frontier in Technology Moderator: Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO, Hoehner Research & Consulting Group
11:10-11:40
The Power of the Buying Group Andreas Schöni, Managing Partner, Solar Purchasing Group Europe
11:40-12:30
Panel Session- Quality Counts, Focus and Aspect on Materials Moderator: Mark Osbourne, Senior Editor, Photovoltaics International, PV-Tech.org
afternoon Technology Session 13:00 - 13:20
Integrated Engineering Solutions for Next Generation Digital PV Factories Dr. Roland Schreieck & Mr Manuel Müller, Siemens AG
13:20 - 13:40
High Performance, Low Costs Solar Cells - Role of Gases and Liquid Precursors Andreas Weisheit, Head Global Solar Market Development, Linde AG - Linde Electronics
13:40 - 14:00
New Production Technology for CIGS Thin Film Solar Cells Dr. Peter Wohlfart, Singulus Technologies AG
14:00 - 14:20
Next Generation Silicon Crystallization System for Multi and Mono2TM Ingot Casting Henrik Franz, ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH
14:20 - 14:40
CIGS - Take the Short Cut to Success Dr. Thomas Umschlag, Head of Sales Thin-Film-Solar, Manz AG
14:40 - 15:00
Commercial Production of CIGSSe by In-Line Selenization/Sulfurization of Metallic Alloys Professor V. Alberts, Photovoltaic Technology Intellectual Property (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Networking Break 15:20 -15:40
Metallic Sputtering Targets for High Efficiency CIGS Manufacturing Dr. Christoph Adelhelm, Manager Application Group Solar, PLANSEE SE
15:40 -16:00
In-line RTP Selenisation Solutions for CIGS Precursors Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens B.V.
16:00 - 16:20
Laser Processes and System Technology for the Production of High-Efficient Crystalline Solar Cells Richard Hendel, International Sales Manager Solar, ROFIN-BAASEL Lasertech GmbH & Co KG
16:20 - 16:40
Keeping It Green: Recycling Procedures for Photovoltaic Waste Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch, Loser Chemie GmbH
16:40 -17:00
Innovative bonding solutions for PV mounting systems Key for efficient module production and long term module quality Michael Niederfuehr, Marketfield Engineer Solar, Sika AG
17:00 - 17:20
Metrology Systems for Quality and Process Control of Solar Thin film Coating Mathias Hummel, Project Manager Solar, Dr. Schenk GmbH Industriemesstechnik
17:20 - 17:40
New Requirements and Solutions for Inline Quality Inspection Based on Cameras for High Efficiency Solar Cells Richard Moreth, Sales Director PV, VITRONIC GmbH
18:00
End of Conference
IPVEA UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | 19
PlAtform communIty
production mass manufacture residential
EquIPmEnt commercial
nEtWOrK
management batteries rear side off grid
analysis industrial
solar automation
Knowledge
IPVEA high efficiency
PV VAluE
organic
renewables
chAIn thin film silicon
EnErgy EffIcIEncy
partner
communicate
smart grid
laser
robotics
metal wrap thru
upgrade
fuel cells
storAgEvoice
support conversion Find out more at booth C2 in hall 3.0
PVMATRIX ARE YOU IN?