NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
International Photovoltaic Equipment Association The worldwide voice for the PV equipment manufacturing industry
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
DEAR IPVEA MEMBERS AND INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES It was nice to see so many of you recently in Berlin at the IPVEA interactive workshop. Thank you again for your great interest and for the terrific discussions that we had concerning the future of the global PV industry in light of the lingering credit crunch. The meeting was very successful and many of you mentioned that you would like to participate in other workshops similar to this again in the near future. The Board of Directors will be meeting on the 15th of December and this will be a topic of discussion as to when and where we can hold a meeting like this again. For those of you that could not join us you can access an abbreviated version of the presentation by clicking the following link: www.ipvea.com/fileadmin/association/pdf/news/EuPD_IPVEA_CreditCrunch.pdf In the meantime, if you have any other ideas or suggestions for Board of Directors, please feel free to contact me directly and I will pass these comments onto the Board at our upcoming meeting. All the best, Bryan Ekus, Managing Director International PV Equipment Association
NEXT IPVEA BOARD MEETING 15TH DECEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS FRANKFURT, GERMANY
NEWSLETTER Produced by IPVEA www.ipvea.com EUROPE ADDRESS IPVEA, P.O. Box 1610, D-63406 Hanau, Germany Mobile: +1 49 1577 682 7926 US ADDRESS IPVEA, P.O. Box 771507 Orlando, Florida 32877, USA Tel: +1 407 856 9100 Fax: +1 407 856 9500 Mobile: +1 407 733 1901
CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Third quarter clean energy investment held back by public market weakness… Solar has a friend in the White House… ‘Near perfect’ absorption of sunlight from all angles… ‘Black silicon’ boosts solar cell efficiency… Australian facility achieves 25% silicon solar cell efficiency… VC firm bullish on PV market… Production lines ramp up in Dubai, Taiwan, India, Germany, China. INTERVIEW WITH EUPD RESEARCH CEO MARKUS A.W. HOEHNER ON THE GERMAN PV MARKET COMPREHENSIVE 4 MONTH CALENDAR WHITE PAPER A revolution in solar cells is happen in Germany, reports Plastic Electronics. MEET THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE CHAIR, BILL DUNCAN PRODUCT SHOWCASE Latest offerings from Bekaert, Pasan, Komax, Reis, AMB, Bosch, Newport, Vogt, Dr. Schenk, 3S, Maschinenbau Gerold GmbH. FULL LIST OF IPVEA MEMBERS CONTACT DETAILS FOR IPVEA
Editor in Chief: Bryan Ekus ekus@ipvea.com Managing Editor: Larry Jaffee news@ipvea.com Design: Doubletake Design Ltd. info@doubletakedesign.co.uk
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
AUSTRALIAN FACILITY ACHIEVES 25% SILICON SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY
INDUSTRY NEWS
SOLAR INDUSTRY WILL HAVE A FRIEND IN THE WHITE HOUSE While on the campaign trail, U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama often touted how solar energy would be a cornerstone of his energy policy when elected. At a photo-op stop in Las Vegas on June 24 at the Springs Preserve, a 180-acre non-gaming cultural and historical attraction designed to commemorate Las Vegas’ dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future, Obama commented how he was impressed with “the solar panels that power this facility.”
MIDEAST’S LARGEST SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURING FACILITY SET FOR DUBAI Solar Technologies FZE, a Dubai-based global company, announced on Oct. 24 the establishment of the Middle East’s largest photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility in Dubai. The first phase of the facility will manufacture photovoltaic panels that can annually generate 130 megawatts of power. The facility will go into production in the last quarter of 2010. Subsequently, Solar Technologies will establish similar manufacturing plants in China, Mexico and Bulgaria, which will increase the total production capacity to 1 Gigawatt by 2015. Speaking at the inauguration of the manufacturing facility of Solar Technologies, Sultan Bin Sulayem, said, “Our vision in Dubai is to create an environmental friendly society. Considering the
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ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
The University of New South Wales’ ARC Photovoltaic Centre in Australia recently reported that its silicon solar cell achieved the milestone of 25% efficiency. He added a green, renewable energy economy “isn’t some pie-in-the-sky, far-off future, it is now. It is creating jobs, now. It is providing cheap alternatives to $140-a-barrel oil, now. And it can create millions of additional jobs and entire new industries if we act now.”
Centre Executive Research Director, Scientia Professor Martin Green, said the jump in performance from its previous rate of 24.7% resulted from new knowledge about the composition of sunlight.
“Since the weights of the colours in sunlight change during the day, solar cells are measured He pledged to invest $150 billion over the next ten under a standard colour spectrum defined under years in alternative sources of energy like wind typical operational meteorological conditions,” he power, and solar power, and advanced biofuels – said. investments that will create up to 5 million new jobs that “pay well and can’t be outsourced; that “Improvements in understanding atmospheric will create billions of dollars in new business like effects upon the colour content of sunlight led to a revision of the standard spectrum in April. you’re already doing here in Nevada.” The new spectrum has a higher energy content Obama’s vision includes factories for solar panels both down the blue end of the spectrum and at and wind turbines. the opposite red end with, dare I say it, relatively Solar power and wind companies could be less green.” among the biggest winners given that an Obama According to UNSW, its silicon cell is now 6% administration wants to require that 10% of more efficient than the next-best technology. The electricity come from renewable sources by new record also inches the UNSW team closer to 2012, and 25% by 2025, giving utilities more the 29% theoretical maximum efficiency possible incentives to install or buy power from solarfor first-generation silicon photovoltaic cells. energy plants than coal-fired plants. Dr. Anita Ho-Baillie, who heads the Centre’s According to Obama’s plan, the federal high efficiency cell research effort, said the government would mandate via legislation UNSW technology benefited greatly from the renewable-energy use. new spectrum “because our cells push the boundaries of response into the extremities of vast areas of dry lands in the UAE, the potential the spectrum.” of obtaining energy from the sun is almost inexhaustible. Solar energy will define the future of our country. The setting up of a photo-voltaic panel manufacturing facility is an important step towards securing our future.”
“Blue light is absorbed strongly, very close to the cell surface where we go to great pains to make sure it is not wasted. Just the opposite, the red light is only weakly absorbed and we have to use special design features to trap it into the cell,” Solar Technologies endeavors to achieve its she said. goal by producing very large solar panels of the Professor Green said: “These light-trapping size of 5.7 Meter Square which can be used features make our cells act as if they were much for Building Integrated Photo-Voltaic (BIPV) thicker than they are. This already has had an solar modules suitable for homes, offices and important spin-off in allowing us to work with industrial and infrastructure facilities. Solar CSG Solar to develop commercial ‘thin-film’ Technologies brings a unique combination of silicon-on-glass solar cells that are over 100 U.S. technology and Dubai-based manufacturing times thinner than conventional silicon cells.” to deliver low cost, high quality modules Professor Stuart Wenham, the ARC Centre cirector, and high volume production capability. said the focus of the Centre is now improving Solar Technologies designs and manufactures mainstream production. “Our main efforts large area, low cost, thin film photovoltaic now are focused on getting these efficiency modules. The company’s mission is to accelerate improvements into commercial production,” he the adoption of solar PV by rapidly expanding said. “Production compatible versions of our high manufacturing capacity and significantly reducing efficiency technology are being introduced into the cost of solar modules through innovations production as we speak.” and manufacturing excellence.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY NEWS
Q3 CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENT HELD BACK BY PUBLIC MARKET WEAKNESS Investment in clean energy companies and capacity has increased spectacularly in recent years, but has been negatively impacted by the wider economic and financial downturn, according to a recent report by market researcher New Energy Finance (NEF). In the third quarter of 2008, private equity and public market investment in clean energy fell compared to the previous three months, while asset finance of wind farms, solar parks and other renewable energy projects did its best to hold steady. The latest NEF figures show that venture capital and private equity investment totalled US$4.4 billion in the July-to-September quarter – a hefty figure but down 24% from the record $5.8 billion in the second quarter of 2008. Private equity expansion capital, failed to maintain the impressive momentum of April to June, although there were $1.6 billion worth of investments in the latest quarter. Several of the big deals were in the solar sector, where thin-film module maker Sulfurcell of Germany raised $135 million and U.S. solar thermal developer SolarReserve raised $140 million. Early-stage venture capital was buoyant, indicating that investors continue to see exciting new technology in the clean energy sector. The early-stage total of $818 million for Q3 included $104 million invested in U.S. thin film firm Ava Solar. Investment in clean energy firms via public markets has been well down so far this year compared to 2007 levels. This has reflected distress in wider stock markets, and a sharp fall in quoted clean energy shares. The pattern continued in Q3, with just $2.9 billion of new money raised, most of that from convertible issues rather than initial public offerings or rights issues. The largest public capital raising was a $734 million secondary issue by French renewable power leader EDF Energies Nouvelles, while the largest IPO was by California efficiency firm Energy Recovery, raising a modest $87 million of new money.
“safety” of defensive stocks and treasuries; the perception that even the more mature clean energy companies are capital-hungry, because of the industry’s growth; and the recent collapse in oil and gas prices. The biggest slice of overall investment in clean energy is the financing of new capacity, such as wind farms, solar parks, biofuel plants and minihydro generation schemes. This continued at a high level in Q3, totalling $18bn, modestly below the figure for the second quarter. Highlights included South California Edison’s deal to pay for solar PV capacity on commercial rooftops in the southern part of its state. Michael Liebreich, chairman and CEO of New Energy Finance, said: “The reassuring message of these latest figures is that investment in clean energy is continuing at a high level, with earlystage venture funding one of the highlights. However it is clear that the sector, despite its exciting medium- and long-term growth fundamentals, cannot be immune to the problems in the wider economic world. “The third quarter figures show that finance for renewable energy assets was fairly resilient, with many big wind and solar projects on both sides of the Atlantic getting the equity and debt they need. The outlook for the fourth quarter is more difficult, because although the key U.S. Production Tax credit for wind and Investment Tax Credit for solar have recently been extended beyond the end of 2008, a number of banks are having to draw in their horns on lending Renewable Energy Targets in China generally following this Renewable Installed Capacity (MW) autumn’s crisis. We Hydro power expect project finance Biomass power to be more difficult and expensive to find in Wind power the next few months, Solar power before conditions source: Credit Suisse Group improve again during 2009,” Liebreich said.
2005
2010 Target
Change
110,000
190,000
72.7%
2000
5500
175%
1260
10,750
699.6%
70
300
328.6%
The final type of investment measured by NEF each quarter is for mergers and acquisitions in clean energy. This fell 21% in the third quarter, to $2.9 billion. The largest deal was Schneider Electric’s $636 million takeover of Canadian energy efficiency company Xantrex Technology. NEF expects merger and acquisition activity in clean energy to accelerate in coming quarters, as opportunistic buyers from both inside and outside the sector take advantage of lower valuations and the fact that some target firms may run short of capital to develop their technologies. For more information: www.newenergymatters.com
Public market investment in clean energy is being hit by three things – asset managers fleeing high tech and growth companies for the
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY NEWS
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
system, the cost of upkeeping this system, and the possibility of errors or misalignment.
U.S. researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, have discovered and demonstrated a new method for overcoming two major hurdles facing solar energy.
Lin’s discovery could antiquate these automated solar arrays, as his antireflective coating absorbs sunlight evenly and equally from all angles. This means that a stationary solar panel treated with the coating would absorb 96.21% of sunlight no matter the position of the sun in the sky. So along with significantly better absorption of sunlight, Lin’s discovery could also enable a new generation of stationary, more cost-efficient solar arrays.
By developing a new antireflective coating that boosts the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels and allows those panels to absorb the entire solar spectrum from nearly any angle, the research team has moved academia and industry closer to realizing high-efficiency, cost-effective solar power.
“At the beginning of the project, we asked ‘would it be possible to create a single antireflective structure that can work from all angles?’ Then we attacked the problem from a fundamental perspective, tested and fine-tuned our theory, and created a working device,” Lin said. Rensselaer physics graduate student Mei-Ling Kuo played a key role in the investigations.
“To get maximum efficiency when converting solar power into electricity, you want a solar panel that can absorb nearly every single photon of light, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky,” said Shawn-Yu Lin, professor of physics at Rensselaer and a member of the university’s Future Chips Constellation, who led the research project. “Our new antireflective coating makes this possible.”
Typical antireflective coatings are engineered to transmit light of one particular wavelength. Lin’s new coating stacks seven of these layers, one on top of the other, in such a way that each layer enhances the antireflective properties of the layer below it. These additional layers also help to “bend” the flow of sunlight to an angle that augments the coating’s antireflective properties. This means that each layer not only transmits sunlight, it also helps to capture any light that may have otherwise been reflected off of the layers below it.
‘NEAR PERFECT’ ABSORPTION OF SUNLIGHT FROM ALL ANGLES
Results of the year-long project are explained in the paper “Realization of a Near Perfect Antireflection Coating for Silicon Solar Energy,” published recently by the journal Optics Letters. An untreated silicon solar cell only absorbs 67.4% of sunlight shone upon it — meaning that nearly one-third of that sunlight is reflected away and thus unharvestable. From an economic and efficiency perspective, this unharvested light is wasted potential and a major barrier hampering the proliferation and widespread adoption of solar power. After a silicon surface was treated with Lin’s new nanoengineered reflective coating, however, the material absorbed 96.21% of sunlight shone upon it — meaning that only 3.79% of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested. This huge gain in absorption was consistent across the entire spectrum of sunlight, from UV to visible light and infrared, and moves solar power a significant step forward toward economic viability. Lin’s new coating also successfully tackles the tricky challenge of angles. Caption: A new anti-reflective coating developed by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute could help to overcome two major hurdles blocking the progress and wider use of solar power. The nanoengineered coating boosts the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels and allows those panels to absorb the entire spectrum of sunlight from any angle, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky. Credit: Rensselaer/Shawn Lin
The seven layers, each with a height of 50 nanometers to 100 nanometers, are made up of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods positioned at an oblique angle — each layer looks and functions similar to a dense forest where sunlight is “captured” between the trees. The nanorods were attached to a silicon substrate via chemical vapor disposition, and Lin said the new coating can be affixed to nearly any photovoltaic materials for use in solar cells, including III-V multi-junction and cadmium telluride.
SIONYX: ‘BLACK SILICON’ BOOSTS SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY The first commercially available so-called “black silicon” wafers are going into production by an American company, SiOnyx, the U.K. newspaper The Guardian recently reported. Referring to an ultra-sensitive form of the silicon used in most solar panels, the special brand of wafers can absorb more light and can also trap a wider range of frequencies, including infrared rays, that normally pass straight through standard silicon. Black silicon was accidentally discovered by Eric Mazur, a physicist at Harvard University, in his laboratory in 1998 when one of his research team blasted normal silicon with a very short laser pulse. The Guardian reported Mazur as saying photovoltaic (PV) cells using black silicon would significantly increase the efficiency of modern panels, the majority of which only convert around 8% of the energy falling on them into
Most surfaces and coatings are designed to absorb light — i.e., be antireflective — and transmit light — i.e., allow the light to pass through it — from a specific range of angles. Eyeglass lenses, for example, will absorb and transmit quite a bit of light from a light source directly in front of them, but those same lenses would absorb and transmit considerably less light if the light source were off to the side or on the wearer’s periphery. This same is true of conventional solar panels, which is why some industrial solar arrays are mechanized to slowly move throughout the day so their panels are perfectly aligned with the sun’s position in the sky. Without this automated movement, the panels would not be optimally positioned and would therefore absorb less sunlight. The tradeoff for this increased efficiency, however, is the energy needed to power the automation
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IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY NEWS electricity. The very best convert around 20%. He said that a black silicon wafer could approach the theoretical limit of converting around 30%-40% of the energy falling on it into electricity. “SiOnyx sounds like an interesting method of increasing the efficiency of conventional crystalline PV,” Daniel Davies, chief technology officer at the PV manufacturer Solarcentury, told The Guardian. “If this can be easily integrated into the cell processing that already exists then the potential to increase the global manufacturing capacity with a relatively low level of intervention is very exciting.” Making textured surfaces on silicon is already possible, noted Keith Barnham, a physicist at Imperial College London, who works on PV cells. “What’s important is if this [technique] helps the light absorption so that you can get away with thinner cells. There has been a silicon shortage and the price is not coming down, so the less you use of it the better. With good light-trapping, which is what these can do, you can hope to get higher efficiency in a much thinner cell.”
NEWS BRIEFS
The rough surface of black silicon allows it absorb light from many different angles, producing an electrical response to light that is 500 times greater than normal silicon. Another advantage is that black silicon can absorb infra-red radiation, which makes up around a quarter of the energy coming from the sun and which normally passes through silicon panels. As well as PV cells, it could improve the performance of any device that uses silicon to detect low levels of light, such as night vision goggles, medical imaging equipment, surveillance satellites and even digital cameras. “We’ve been completely stealth, there hasn’t been anything published about the company since its founding. We wanted to make sure we could scale the technology into a commercial foundry,” said Steve Saylor, chief executive of SiOnyx. “The recent success in doing that is why we’ve started to introduce the company.” More than $11m (£6.3m) of venture capital has been invested so far in the Massachusetts-based SiOnyx.
IMEC, PLEXTRONICS PARTNER ON ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS
FRAUNHOFER OPENS CENTER FOR ORGANIC MATERIALS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES DRESDEN
IMEC, of Leuven, Belgium, has teamed with U.S.based Plextronics, Inc., a specialist in printed solar, lighting and other organic electronics, to develop a reproducible process for organic solar cells using Plextronics’ materials and inks.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft recently opened in Dresden, Germany its “Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden”(COMEDD). The purpose of the center is the development of processes for organic semiconductor devices such as organic lightemitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells.
These materials have demonstrated worldrecord efficiencies as high as 5.9%, according to recent testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado.
OLEDs are considered the technology of the future for displays and illumination. They require no background lighting, provide a perfect picture from every viewing angle, good color saturation, use little energy and can be applied to large areas in ultra-thin layers.
LDK SOLAR TAPS DIAMOND WIRE SAWS FOR CHINA PLANT Diamond Wire Technology (DWT) recently announced that LDK Solar Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of solar wafers, has chosen Diamond Wire Technology’s SR200 Filament Saws to be used in LDK Solar’s new 15000 tons per year polysilicon production plant in Xinyu City, China.
IMEC also said it aims to develop organic multijunction solar cells with efficiency of 10% by 2012. It is focusing on up-scaling of the process to achieve a large-area industrial manufacturing technology with an average efficiency of 7% (+/0.5 percent) and solar cell lifetime of 5 years. Earlier this year, IMEC revealed it is developing a method to produce 50 micron thick crystalline silicon wafers for use in solar cells. The first phase of the collaboration will see IMEC use Plexcore OS, a regioregular poly3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) polymer with a high absorption coefficient close to the maximum photon flux in the solar spectrum and high mobility. The materials will be processed using spin coating and validated on film morphology, carrier mobility and reproducibility.
AMORPH ACCELERATES SOLAR EFFICIENCY OERLIKON SOLAR LAUNCHES THIN FILM PANELS WITH 16% INCREASE IN POWER OUTPUT By Jim Thompson, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Oerlikon Solar Day in and day out – it’s crucially important to be able to keep leveraging technological advances into successful solutions for PV module manufacturers in a very timely manner. “Timely” means the ability to lead with pre-certified, leading edge technology that’s scalable to an industry application – reliably and without delay. Record-breaking numbers Last month, the launch of the next generation “Amorph High Performance” technology brought PV panel performance up to >7% stabilized efficiency – a 16% increase in panel power output. This step effectively increases fab capacity by more than 50% without increasing costs. At the same time, this “Amorph” technology has already been granted the requisite TÜV master certificates. The new a-Si panel utilizes an advanced zinc oxide TCO layer with better light trapping properties that significantly increases the performance characteristics of the panel.
Solar cells will be processed on different substrates using spin-coated films of the material.
In comparison to the traditional process of cutting with blades, the SR 200 Filament Saw is capable of cutting up to 100% more filaments, with lower kerf, resulting in more material for use in the production of polysilicon rods.
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NEWS BRIEFS This performance jump illustrates the importance of optimizing panel design and how the interaction of the various layers in the panel can have a profound effect on overall system performance. By optimizing these process elements in an endto-end fabrication system, the manufacturer can gain a considerable increase in plant throughput. Learning from the first generation amorphous lines, important yield, line uptime and TACT time gains were achieved, resulting in an astounding 50% increase in the output capacity of the line. Keeping costs under control Notably, these gains are achieved without an increase of total capital cost. The resulting cost per Watt benefit have shown that 1.4-m2 panels are the optimum size for the flexibility needed to achieve improvements in the fabrication process. Particularly in recent months, we’ve made enormous progress in developing this second generation of high-performance and low-cost PV module production system. With >500,000 panels already produced by the previous “Amorph Basic” technology, the rapid TÜV certification confirm that the new “Amorph High Performance” platform will be as robust and durable as the first generation, with new level in cost/performance capability. More information: www.oerlikon.com
OERLIKON SOLAR CUSTOMER, SUNWELL, BEGINS MASS PRODUCTION IN TAIWAN
THIN-FILM PV PRODUCTION UNDERWAY IN MOCHAU, GERMANY Signet Solar has begun volume production for its silicon thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) modules at its manufacturing facility in Mochau, Germany, after receiving Final Acceptance Test (FAT) certification from SGS Germany GmbH. Signet has produced over 2,000 solar PV modules during its pilot production period and expects to ramp to full production capacity of 20 megawatts per year. The company plans to continue to increase capacity at the German facility to reach up to 130 MW by the end of 2009. Materials is said to be the only supplier that can deliver a fully integrated production line capable of producing large 5.7 m2 PV modules. In May 2008, Signet Solar fabricated the first 5.7m2 thinfilm solar PV module at its factory near Dresden within ten months from the start of construction.
14.6% EFFICIENT SOLAR CELL ON UPGRADED METALLURGICAL GRADE SILICON Blue Square Energy, a U.S. developer and manufacturer of low-cost silicon solar cells, recently announced that it has produced a 14.6% efficient solar cell with its patent-pending Bright Point technology. BSE’s efficiency result is one of the highest in the world on upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon and has been verified independently by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Sunwell, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMC Magnetics, recently announced the start of mass production at its Taiwan-based thin film PV plant. In the past month more than 10,000 solar panels were produced with an Oerlikon Solar end-to-end fabrication solution.
BSE’s Bright Point technology is unique because of its two-part structure: a fine layer of high-grade silicon is placed on top of 4N UMG silicon, which differs significantly from the solar industry’s silicon norm by way of cost and availability.
All contract parameters for SOP (start of production) were met nearly one month early. The facility is based on amorphous silicon thin film technology and has a yearly production capacity of 40 MWp.
SPIRE TO PROVIDE 30 MW SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING LINE TO KOREA
Sunwell’s initial tranche of modules is designated to be integrated in a large-scale solar farm project; thousands of panels have already been shipped.
Spire Corp., a U.S.-based company providing turnkey production lines and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules worldwide, recently announced a major order for Korea.
Sunwell and Oerlikon engineers worked together during the installation and production ramp-up. Sunwell engineers have participated in the whole process and successfully resolved critical issues together with Oerlikon experts.
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Spire has been awarded a contract to provide a Spi-Line 30C complete turnkey factory to produce up to 30 megawatts (MW) per year of high efficiency solar cells for Hanwha Chemical Corp., a leading manufacturer of synthetic resins and various petrochemical products in Asia. This
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
is Hanwha’s entrance into the solar market. Hanwha plans to produce high-efficiency solar cells on a large scale by the end of 2009 and gradually expand its focus to polysilicon, ingot and wafers. Spire has had more than 25 years experience in developing solar cell processing technology which is embedded in Spire’s turnkey cell line. The turnkey line includes all required processing equipment and critical process knowledge for making high efficiency cells. The Spi-Line 30C is capable of producing high efficiency cells using either mono- or multicrystalline wafers. In addition, Spire provides in-depth training, factory layout, facilities and on-site support. Under the plan, Hanwha will be self-sufficient and able to operate the line without assistance after a ramp and qualification period. The solar cell line is scaleable, allowing Hanwha to easily increase capacity beyond 30 MW once the line is fully qualified and meeting production goals. More information: www.hanwha.co.kr and www.spirecorp.com
3S SWISS SOLAR SYSTEMS DELIVERS FIRST TURNKEY LINE FOR INDIA 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG, the global supplier of production equipment for the manufacture of solar modules, has handed over a semi-automatic production line to the Spanish company Eurener Energia Solar. This underlines the strength of the 3S Industries AG subsidiary in the field of solar module production. The next line will be delivered to India. After entering the business with semi-automatic production lines in March of this year, 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG has now delivered the first line. “The new line is completely tailored to the specific needs of our customer,” said CEO Patrick Hofer-Noser. “We plan and build our production lines in such a way that the module producers obtain the optimal degree of automation for their needs.” Energia Solar, located in Alicante, has been manufacturing successfully since 2006 on a manual 3S production line. In order to expand their output, the Spaniards have now installed a semi-automatic 20MW line comprised of an automatic string soldering station from Somont, a laminating line from 3S Swiss Solar Systems and a module tester from Pasan. Since the acquisition of Somont, the group of companies under 3S Industries AG is in possession of all the key technologies for the production of solar modules.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
NEWS BRIEFS Apart from the sale of individual components for solar module production, the group will in future continue the expansion of its Production Line division by, among other things, cooperating with system integrators. 3S Swiss Solar Systems has been operating a first semi-automatic production line since spring of this year at its own technical centre. The centre in Lyss serves not only as a test facility for customers but also as a training line. Here, 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG also produces its own modules for building-integrated solar systems.
MONOCRYSTALLINE SILICON SOLAR CELLS PRODUCTION LINE IN THE U.S. Suniva Inc., a manufacturer of high value monocrystalline silicon solar cells, announced on Nov. 4 that it began production of solar cells on its new 32MWp line in Norcross, Georgia. The company also revealed plans to install a second production line next year with twice the manufacturing capacity of its first, bringing total production capacity of the Norcross facility to 96MWp by the middle of 2009. The first factory will eventually feature a total capacity of about 175 MWp by early 2010, according to the company. The newly completed 32MW line produces Suniva’s ARTisun solar cells, which are then delivered to module manufacturers to be assembled into some of the industry’s most efficient solar modules. Suniva currently sells solar cells produced at the Norcross facility under existing customer contracts with companies including Solon AG and Titan Energy Systems LTD., totaling more than $1 billion. Suniva will continue the partnership with centrotherm photovoltaics AG, international providers of technology and services, for the production of solar cells and solar silicon, to design and integrate a second, larger production line at the Norcross facility.
VC FIRM BULLISH ON SOLAR PV MARKET U.S. venture capital firm Khosla Ventures has invested in more than 70 companies specializing in clean technology. “This year, solar thin film has been very hot, with billion-dollar valuations for low-efficiency PV solutions,” Khosla operating partner Ford Tamer in September told the International Herald Tribune. Though most of his firm’s investments have been in the United States, Tamer said Khosla Ventures, which is based in Menlo Park, California, was now looking to invest internationally. According to Cleantech Group, a research firm that tracks investments in environmental energy, venture capital firms invested $2.6 billion in the sector in the third quarter of this year, an all-time record and a 37 percent increase from a year earlier. U.S. companies received $1.75 billion in the quarter, while the European tally was $742 million and Chinese companies raised $111 million. Khosla Ventures was one of the top five investors for the quarter, according to Brian Fan, senior director of research at Cleantech.
PEOPLE NEWS OERLIKON SOLAR has announced the appointment of Robert Gattereder to the position of senior vice president, new business. Gattereder brings more than 15 years of operational experience with global industrial companies to the newly created position located in Truebbach at Oerlikon Solar’s headquarters. Gattereder has held senior management positions in finance, procurement, marketing and business development in both, the solar industry and industrial infrastructure business and has more than a decade of entrepreneurial experience within the renewable energy market. In his new position, Gattereder will be pursuing business expansion opportunities for Oerlikon Solar. Gattereder’s functional experience spans over 15 years in management positions, including eight years with MW Zander. In the last six years he has focused increasingly on the solar business. Under his leadership MW Zander developed an independent business unit directly focusing on solar technology related infrastructure business.
DIAMOND WIRE TECHNOLOGY (DWT) recently hired two executives and promoted another. Bryan Decker was hired as sales manager, North American territory. Decker comes to DWT with 23 years of sales, management, and ownership expertise in the retail and wholesale marine industry. He has owned and operated several marine retail facilities in the Colorado and Arizona markets. Diamond Wire also appointed Dale Tanner as its materials manager. Tanner comes to DWT with 30 years of experience managing various facets of manufacturing with an emphasis on operations, systems development and implementation, project management, quality, ISO certification, continual improvement processes, materials management, supply chain management, production planning and purchasing, lean manufacturing work flow, business development, forecasting, budgeting and cost containment. Diamond Wire promoted Dick Archer to saw division engineering manager. Archer has been with DWT since 2000 and has provided expertise in the areas of manufacturing and engineering to include: plant management, production management, engineering management, field service engineering, process engineering and project management. Prior to joining DWT, Archer had 20-plus years of experience working with a wide range of start-up and mid-sized manufacturing companies in the Midwest. Archer’s background in slicing technologies, heavy industrial equipment, and custom machine tools will prove instrumental as DWT launches a new line of value-added cropping and slicing tools for the solar industry. Diamond Wire also appointed Brian Larabee as its vice president of sales and marketing. Larabee previously was with Rohm and Haas in Phoenix, AZ. He’s also held various leadership roles for Honeywell Electronic Materials, Koch Industries, Sigma-Aldrich and Baxter Diagnostics, representing more than 18 years of experience serving the semiconductor, (adjacent) electronics, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Member companies are encouraged to send in their staff hirings to: news@ipvea.com
FORECAST: THE OVERALL PV MARKET WILL GROW AT A COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 73% PERCENT FROM 2007 THROUGH 2011, WITH CRYSTALLINE SILICON GROWING AT 69% AND THIN FILM AT 101%, ACCORDING TO MARKET DATA PRESENTED BY OERLIKON SOLAR. THE THIN FILM EQUIPMENT MARKET WILL OFFER STRONG OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, GROWING FROM $1.3 BILLION IN 2006 TO A FORECASTED $13 BILLION BY 2011. SOURCE: OERLIKON SOLAR
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERVIEW: MARKUS A.W. HOEHNER, CEO EuPD RESEARCH
THE GERMAN PV MARKET IN FOCUS Q. Do you think that revenues in Germany will decrease in 2009? Or do you think that the growth will simply be much lower?
Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO EuPD Research
The German market is actually showing signs of stability. Due to the degression and the better availability of goods we are expecting strong changes in the system prices in the first quarter of 2009. Revenues should thus remain at least on the same level as in 2008. Prices for BOS components should also cease to be a cost-driver, as the prices on the raw material markets have fallen. However, there are also negative factors which must be taken into account, for example that the private end customer segment is already showing signs of saturation. In general we reckon that demand will be somewhat lower in the first two quarters in comparison to 2008, but that from the middle of the second quarter the market will begin to move again.
Q. What are the biggest risks for the German solar industry in 2009?
For further questions, please contact: Daniel Pohl M.A. Corporate Communications EuPD Research Adenauerallee 134 D-53113 Bonn T +49 (0)228 97143-74 F +49 (0)228 97143-11 d.pohl@eupd-research.com www.eupd-research.com
We see the biggest risk in the price dumping in the first quarter. The reduction in prices will be caused by the higher degression rates, but initially there will also be a looming supply surplus. This means that there will be a certain amount of pressure on the market. However, most companies will not be able to hold out through a true price war with the lowest prices for very long because of low cash flows. In particular, East Asian manufacturers which do not belong to the avant-garde will be forced to sell any excess stock as quickly as possible. It is important that the companies find a reliable price level consistent with the market and the brand as quickly as possible next year. This strategic price-finding according to market segments is thus also one of our major focal points at the moment.
Q. What marketing strategies could solar module manufacturers use to combat the financial crisis? Initially, a company on a market for homogenous products must position themselves more clearly. In addition, the way the company sees itself and the image that outsiders have of it need to be identified and brought in line with each other. Such a strategic orientation allows the unique selling propositions, brand and products to be defined. Furthermore, it is crucial that an understanding of the market segments, the end customer types and their purchase behavior is understood. Only when this strategic ground work has been completed customers can be addressed with limited budgets. The topic of brand, especially the dimensions of the brand function which create trust and which are therefore relevant for the price, has been neglected by almost every company up to now.
Q. Are there any indications that there will be a glut of modules on the market in Germany? How much do you think the system and module prices will sink by? Some wholesalers have already built up stock of modules which were hard to get on the German market in previous years. Obviously a huge number of modules are currently flowing backwards out of Spain. The price pressure in Germany is clear and reduction of eight to ten percent is imminent. Nonetheless, at present we consider that – taken over the course of the whole year – reductions of between 15 and 20 percent are possible, although not for every module and system. The first quarter of next year will be particularly critical. If the conditions after that turn icy the aim of the game is to sit tight, as you cannot really reverse price reductions.
Q. Can manufacturers even allow a reduction in price given the ramp-up processes? Yes, as this belongs to a company’s risk management to some extent. If any company hasn’t reckoned with at least five percent a year, they definitely need to review their risk management again. Clearly reducing the prices in the middle of the growth process is going to hurt for any company, but some movement is also expected on the procurement side too. Obviously there is a critical point. A premature reduction of 15 percent is definitely going to hit some newcomers particularly hard.
EuPD Research® ist eine Marke der / is a brand of: HOEHNER RESEARCH & CONSULTING GROUP GmbH Geschäftsführer / CEO: Markus A.W. Hoehner Handelsregister / commercial register: AG Bonn HRB 9226
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IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT: MARKET DATA
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This survey provides the background information that is necessary to develop the market strategy required to successfully operate in the top European markets and in the USA. ■ International PV ModulePriceMonitor©
This report, which is based on quantitative surveys, evaluates the development of prices in the past and expectations for the future. ■ PV Thin Film Industry Analysis (Updated Version)
EuPD Research analyzed the booming global thin film industry based on comprehensive primary data. To order please contact EuPD Research Martin Drope m.drope@eupd-research.com
EUPD RESEARCH – NATIONAL MARKET PACKAGE Entering a new market or strengthening your market position requires detailed information about the most important PV markets worldwide. If you purchase up to three EuPD Research market studies, we will give you a special discount of 10%; for purchases of more than three studies you receive a discount of 15%. ■ “Photovoltaics in the USA – Detailed Analysis of a Future Solar Market” ■ “The Italian Photovoltaic Market 2008 - Overcoming Obstacles” ■ “The Spanish Photovoltaic Market 2007/08 - Optimism Despite Legal
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To order please contact EuPD Research Martin Drope m.drope@eupd-research.com
WEB-LINKS: EuPD Research | International Solar http://www.eupd-research.com/intsolar/ EuPD Research | Special Offer (valid until Dec. 19, 2008) http://www.eupd-research.com/specialoffer/ EuPD Research® ist eine Marke der / is a brand of: HOEHNER RESEARCH & CONSULTING GROUP GmbH Geschäftsführer / CEO: Markus A.W. Hoehner Handelsregister / commercial register: AG Bonn HRB 9226
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
IPVEA TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Bill Duncan, director of product management of Kwanghee Lee, Komax PhD CVSystems York
MEET THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE CHAIR, BILL DUNCAN Among IPVEA’s recent initiatives is the formation of a Technology Committee, which is being chaired by Bill Duncan, director of product management of Komax Systems York, a global supplier of module manufacturing machines. U.S.-based Duncan works out of the company’s York, Pennsylvania facility. Bill Duncan has been with Tyco Electronics/AMP for 21 years in various automation engineering, process development and product management roles. More recently, Bill has been vice president of program management and vice president of marketing for Bulova Technologies, a contract manufacturer of complex electro-mechanical assemblies for the semi-conductor, medical and defense industries. Currently, as director of
product management at Komax Systems York, Bill is focused on the development of equipment required for the manufacturing of crystalline photovoltaic modules. He spoke with the IPVEA about the plans for the technology committee, which, as of Nov. 11, has six other members, with whom he’s holding a conference call in early December to discuss their goals. “We’re at the very beginning stages (of the committee’s work),” Duncan said, emphasizing that the committee welcomes input from other members who might have not yet expressed interest in getting involved.
bet on? CDSe? Mono/Poly crystalline? CIS? Back contact? CdS? Amorphous silicon? UMG? Organic PV? Equipment manufacturers want to know where to put their development engineering resources.” A technology roadmap or roadmaps can emerge from the IPVEA committee, he added, and will hopefully help equipment manufacturers keep current with industry trends and be useful in planning product development. The committee’s mission, short term, is to organize a forum to gather information on emerging technologies in PV materials and processes.
The way he sees the committee’s goal is “to help IPVEA members adapt to the dynamic marketplace and constantly changing technology developments,” Duncan added.
Any information gathered will be shared with all members via the IPVEA website and/ or newsletter. Longer term, the committee may engage in additional activities to help disseminate information on emerging technologies. One such example may be to organize educational seminars with key speakers from leading technology companies.
Cell suppliers or module manufacturers like the one for which he works (Komax) design and build equipment for OEMs, and typically can use some guidance to ensure they are focused on the right things, Duncan said. “New, emerging technologies are showing much promise for the future. Which horse or horses should you
Asked whether participating some companies might not be so open to sharing what’s going on internally within their plants, Duncan responded that manufacturers typically decide that “some products and services they want to publicize, while others they want to keep as trade secrets.”
(Interested parties may contact him at bill. duncan@komaxgroup.com)
EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE NEWS
IPVEA JOINS LEADING PV SOLAR ENERGY SHOW FOR EUROPE
IPVEA SUPPORTING SNEC CHINESE SHOW IN SHANGHAI NEXT MAY
IPVEA and WIP GmbH have agreed that IPVEA will provide institutional support for the 24th European IPVEA is actively supporting the Chinese solar Photovoltaic Solar Energy & Exhibition (EU PVSEC) in 2009. power trade show next year, the third annual SNEC “By working together we will be able to maximize the needs of the PV suppliers,” says Bryan Ekus, International Photovoltaic Power Generation Managing Director of IPVEA. “IPVEA will actively support the EU PVSEC 2009 in Hamburg, Germany, Conference & Exhibition (PV Power Expo) to and is going to create a special area for PV equipment and material manufacturers. This will make it be held from May 5-8, 2009 at the Shanghai International Convention Center. easier for visitors to find the PV equipment and material manufacturers.” WIP, founded in 1968, is one of the most experienced German engineering companies that provide state-of-the-art solutions in the field of PV Solar Energy. Since 1986, WIP is the organiser of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition (EU PVSEC) that performs annually in Europe. The most recent event took place in Valencia/Spain in September 2008 with 4,200 registered Conference delegates, an exhibition on 50,000 m² and 30,000 visitors, and an increase of more than 50% compared to the Milan EU PVSEC one year earlier.
As of late November, 609 companies have booked booth space for the 60,000 square-meter exhibition hall. IPVEA has also endorsed EUPVSEC from EPIA, which is a co-organizer of SNEC.
SNEC 3rd (2009) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo “We are delighted to have IPVEA’s institutional support,” says Peter Helm, Director of WIP and EU May 6 – 8, 2009 PVSEC Executive Conference Director. We look forward to this continued cooperation with IPVEA. It only No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong District, Shanghai New International Expo Center, China makes sense to listen to our customers requirements to have a better marketplace for everyone.” For more information: The 24th EU PVSEC will take place from 21-25 September 2009 in the CCH Hamburg International http://www.snec.org.cn/indexe.asp Fair and Congress Centre. The Exhibition runs 21 – 24 September Contact: Tom.Qin Email: snecchina@gmail.com For more information about EU PVSEC, please visit www.photovoltaic-conference.com Tel:+86 13 381813477
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IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
INDUSTRY EVENTS
DECEMBER 2008
January 19-21, 2009 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
February 10-12, 2009 Eilat, Israel
December 5-6, 2008 New Delhi, India
Conference & Exhibition: World Future Energy Summit 2009
International Conference on Renewable Energy
www.WorldFutureEnergySummit.com
www.eilatenergy.com
January 19-23, 2009 Calcutta, India
February 25-28, 2009 Lyon, France
18th International Photovoltaic Science & Engineering Conference & Exhibition (PVSEC)
Renewable Energy Exhibition 2009
Conference & Exhibition: Glass Performance Days (GPD) India www.gpd.fi December 8-9, 2008 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Solar Conference 2008 www.cansia.ca December 8-10, 2008 Barcelona, Spain
Conference: 3rd Annual Plastic & Thin Film Photovoltaics www.plasticandthinfilmpv.com December 9, 2008 Nice, France
European DERlab Workshops on Grid Inverters www.otti.de December 10-12, 2008 Nice, France
3rd International Conference on Integration of RES and DER www.otti.de December 10-12, 2008 Venlo, the Netherlands
www.energie-ren.com
www.pvsec18.in
February 25-27, 2009 Wels, Austria
January 20-22, 2009 Seoul, Korea
Conference: World Sustainable Energy Days 2009
Trade fair: Semicon Korea 2009
www.wsed.at
www.semiconkorea.org
February 25-27, 2009 Tokyo, Japan
January 20-21, 2009 Brussels, Belgium
4th Annual European Energy Policy Conference 2009 www.epsilonevents.com January 21-22, 2009 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Conference: Solar Power Generation USA
PV Expo 2009: 2nd International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo www.pvexpo.jp February 25-27, 2009 Seoul, Korea
International Solar Energy Expo & Conference (EXPO Solar)
www.greenpowerconferences.com
www.exposolar.org
January 22-24, 2009 Gent, Belgium
February 25-27, 2009 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Trade fair: Intersolution
Conference & Exhibition: RETECH 2009
www.intersolution.be
www.retech2009.com
www.detaf.nl
January 26-28, 2009 Würzburg, Germany
February 26 - March 1, 2009 Istanbul, Turkey
December 10-12, 2008 Montpellier, France
Conference: Fifth User Forum on Thin-Film Photovoltaics
www.gunesenerji.com
Trade fair: DETAF – The Power of Green
Energaia International Renewable Energies Exhibition www.energaia-expo.com December 11-13, 2008 New Delhi, India
Conference: Renewable Energy Asia - 2008
www.otti.de January 28-29, 2009 Johannesburg, South Africa
March 3-5, 2009 Pune, India
www.energyafricaexpo.com
Trade fair: Renewtech India 2008
FEBRUARY 2009
December 14-17, 2008 New Delhi, India
February 5-6, 2009 Rome, Italy
www.energytechindia.com
JANUARY 2009 January 1-9, 2009 Rancho Mastatal, Costa Rica
Workshop: Solar Electricity for the Developing World www.solarenergy.org
MARCH 2009
Conference & Exhibition: Energy 09
web.iitd.ac.in/~rea2008
Conference & Exhibition: Energy Tech ’08
Solar Energy & Technologies Fair
Conferenza dell’Industria Solare (CIS-IT 2009)
www.online.com March 3, 2009 Munich, Germany
PHOTON’s 7th Solar Silicon Conference www.photon-expo.com
www.solarpraxis.de
March 4-6, 2009 Munich, Germany
February 9-11, 2009 Brussels, Belgium
PHOTON’s Photovoltaic Technology Show 2009 Europe
2009 European Renewable Energy Policy Conference
www.photon-expo.com
www.erec.org
Disclaimer: IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association uses its best efforts to ensure that all the information in this newsletter and on its website is kept up-to-date. Any warranty to the correctness and actuality cannot be assumed. IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association reserves the right to make changes or additions to the information made available at any time without notice. Copyright: The content of the IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association website is protected by copyright. No information, data, texts, parts of texts or images may be copied or used in any way without the prior permission of IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
PAGE 13
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
WHITE PAPER
A REVOLUTION IN SOLAR CELLS IS HAPPENING IN GERMANY Plastic Electronics is the only printed magazine covering business and marketing strategies for organic and printed electronics. The magazine is published six times a year by IntertechPira. To enquire about a subscription email alexander.smith@pira-international.com julian.bradshaw@pira-international.com http://www.plusplasticelectronics.com/
The following article, authored by Sara VerBruggen, is excerpted with permission from Plastic Electronics, where she is editor in chief.
Those holding the key to the country’s future in this field are emerging from other industrial Over half the world’s photovoltaic (PV) energy competencies, including chemicals, printing, is generated on German rooftops. According to glass, paper and even automotive. DENA, achieving an annual growth of around BASF AND CO KICK-START OPV DEVELOPMENT 50%. The solar industry which is based mainly Just over one year ago board executives at leading in the economically depressed eastern the German companies struck a deal with the Federal German renewable energy agency, in 2006 the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to total capacity of solar cells made in Germany invest in new technology aimed at making the amounted to 500 megawatts, Germany employs production of PVs cheaper and increase areas of over 60,000 and the figure is rising, with more application, to create new markets for solar and factories due to enter production before 2008 is industry to develop new, innovative solar cells out. made from organic materials to be used in mobile
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
But, there is a gloomier side to Germany’s solar energy story. The generous subsidies that have kick started the PV energy industry, must be phased out if it is to have a fighting chance of competing with more conventional electricity sources. And investment in Germany’s solar industry has favoured production over innovation. If it is to have any chance of implementing a long, successful solar energy legacy, Germany will have to look beyond costly, heavy and cells. Under the terms of the agreement, BASF, Bosch, Merck, and Schott pledged to spend up to E300 million on organic photovoltaics (OPVs), whilst the BMBF set aside E60 million for basic research as well as development projects on OPVs. In 2006, photovoltaic modules had a global market volume of E8 billion. The segment is expected to grow by more than 20% annually until 2020. But new applications must be developed if this promising target is to be achieved. The thrust of the BMBF’s Organic Photovoltaics Initiative is to review and oversee projects that team academia
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rigid crystalline silicon, and even thin-film silicon technologies.
phones, laptops and other portable electronic applications. To perform in such applications, the cells must achieve a 10% degree of efficiency and a life span of two to three years. The initiative will also spur the development of disposable OPVs and, at the other end of the spectrum, fixed organic solar cell systems with better power output. The success of organic electronics relies on creating new applications for electronics, not simply replacing silicon. But, eventually, OPVs could replace silicon in large fixed, grid-connected applications, such as rooftop panels, as we are already seeing thin-film cells do. One project, named ColorSol, won funding under a separate BMBF scheme. ColorSol’s aim is to integrate dye solar cells in glass panels and facades for buildings, as an alternative to silicon solar panels fixed on roofs, using PV pastes and screen printing machinery. Building and architectural firms were consulted
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
WHITE PAPER (CONT.) to establish their requirements such as how durable such panels must be and design needs. Panels were produced with different colours, images and even text. The panels will initially be used in niche construction projects where architectural design is emphasised probably from the end of 2011 onwards. ColorSol closes at the end of 2008 and the partners are discussing next steps towards commercialising the IP. SOLAR CARS A few car makers have already tried integrating silicon solar panels into models. A PV sunroof in the Audi A8 keeps the air-conditioning running when the ignition is off and BMW has integrated solar panels in the sunroof of prototype cars to improve their efficiency. Silicon PVs are fine to use if the surface is planar, such as a roof. But what the automotive industry could really do with are flexible, or lighter, modules, malleable to fit the curves and contours of car bodies. Car makers are also progressing towards lighter vehicles which will help improve fuel efficiencies, replacing metal components with strong composite plastics. There is no room for rigid, heavy silicon PV panels in greener cars of the future. THROWAWAY SOLAR CELLS Professor Hübler at TU Chemnitz is coordinating the BMBF-funded project to fabricate low-cost organic solar cells on paper. The concept sounds deceptively simple when Hübler explains it: ‘This project is about basic research for a throwaway solar cell. It needs to work for a few days, achieve minimum efficiencies, something like 1–3%, and be inexpensive to produce.’ Some large potential end use markets exist in Germany, like automotive, building and electronics. The first solar cell products to use OPVs will be a far-cry from the silicon PV industry bolstered by government subsidies, but this sector can lend a hand in helping to facilitate new technologies with its existing infrastructure, equipment and know-how. It seems OPVs have shed the avoid-at-all-cost, high-risk reputation from years ago. But, the pressure to make OPV goods is on. The industry can only going on sucking in investment for so long. One source at a PV production equipment supplier fears OPVs could suffer too much hype and investors will move their money elsewhere and burst the bubble, doing long term damage to such a promising industry. It’s hard to see this scenario happening when large industrial companies, like BASF and Bosch, are funding it. But the view raises a valid point. Klaus Hecker from the Organic Electronics Association in Germany warns: ‘It is important to put OPVs into products even if their efficiency and performance isn’t ideal and the volumes are small. It’s not good to postpone and postpone things in order to achieve the very high goals – we need to go after low-hanging fruit as well as the more complex, challenging applications.’ Perhaps the future of Germany’s solar cell industry rests on paper.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
IPVEA MEMBERS
CURRENT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION. UPDATED LIST IS ALWAYS ON HTTP://WWW.IPVEA.COM/ 3S Swiss Solar Systems
Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG
Anwell Precision Technology
SEMILAB Semiconductor Physics Laboratory, Co., Ltd.
ASYS Automatisierungssysteme GmbH
Singulus Technologies
Bekaert Advanced Coatings NV
Sixtron Advanced Materials Inc
BTU International, Inc.
Solar Jobs
Bosch Rexroth
Soleras Ltd
Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH & Co. Kg
Solar Technology Center
Celerity, Inc.
Somont GmbH
Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG
Spire Solar, Inc.
Centrotherm Clean Systems
STANGL Semiconductor Equipment AG
Dr. Schenk GmbH Industriemesstechnik
SYNOVA S.A.
Diamond Wire Technology
Targray Technology International Inc.
EBARA Precision Machinery Europe GmbH
Team Technik Production Technology
Ferrotec GmbH
TRUMPF Laser GmbH +Co. Kg
Gfe Metalle und Materialien
Veeco Instruments GmbH
Heateflex Corporation
VITRONIC Dr.-Ing. Stein Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH
ib vogt GmbH
VON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH
Innolas GmbH
Visit the IPVEA website to see profiles and contact details of all member companies. http://www.ipvea.com/member-directory.html
JENOPTIK Automatisierungstechnik GmbH Jonas & Redmann Photovoltaics Production Solutions GmbH Kitec microelectronic technologie GmbH Komax Kuka Systems GmbH LPKF SolarQuipment GmbH LSW Maschinenfabrik GmbH M+W Zander FE GmbH Maschinenbau GEROLD GmbH & Co. KG Manz Automation AG Meier Vakuumtechnik GmbH Meyer Burger AG Newport Spectra - Physics OC Oerlikon Management AG Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum GmbH OTB Solar Pall GmbH Pasan SA Pure Air Systems Reis GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik RENA Sondermaschinen GmbH Roth & Rau AG
ABOUT US Founded in May 2008, the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) is an independent, non-profit organization of manufacturers and suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) fabrication equipment and related raw materials used in PV ingot, wafer, cell (crystalline and thin-film), and panel manufacturing. The association’s member companies represent the wide spectrum of equipment and materials including that related to crystal growth, diffusion furnaces, glavanics, laminators, laser systems, materials handling, metallization, printing, process integration, solar simulators, substrate handling, testing, vacuum systems, waste gas abatement, wet chemical systems, and related materials and professional services. The overall mission of the association is to provide members with a forum for information, discussion and exchange of ideas, as well as ways to develop business opportunities and strategic partnerships. The association is the unified voice of the manufacturing segment of the PV industry. As such, the association evaluates and recommends exhibitions, conferences, sales channels and methods of communications that can be effective for its member companies. The association will pursue its long term-goals in a number of ways, including supporting events that provide the best opportunities for member companies with booth discounts and association branding/sponsorship. Part of this will be to reduce the number of key trade shows for members in particular and the industry in general.
Schaeffler KG
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IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
AMB APPARATE + MASCHINENBAU GMBH/WET WAFER SEPARATOR 3000+
Contact Tel: +49 (0) 821 24177- 50 Email: wvg@amb-automation.de Web: www.amb-automation.de
BOSCH TS SOLAR
Contact Tel: +49-711-811-7876 Email: stefan.reitmeier@boschrexroth.de Web: www.boschrexroth.com
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
High throughput, reduced breakage rate and a high level of reliability are features of the new separating system WWS 3000+. Even thinnest wafers are handled safely and reliably by gentle separation of the wafers from the stack in the water bath.
Applications Wafer type: Multi- and Mono-crystalline silicon. Wafer geometry: Square and pseudo-square Wafer thickness: 150 - 300 micro meters
Platform With the technology used in the system, wafer Problem damage and breakage is reduced to a minimum. The Wet Wafer Separator 3000+ addresses the High efficiency separating unit, combined with critical handling of wafers. Reduced breakage wafer control units and buffer systems, guarantee rates and high throughput are the main focus of high production and yield. the WWS 3000+ Availability Solution End of 2008 The loaded carriers are lowered into a water bath. A feeder system brings the stack of wafers automatically to the pickup point. A newly developed pickup system separates the foremost wafer from the stack without any mecanical stress which results in reduced breakage rates. After separation, the wafers are moved out of the water bath to the transfer station along a special conveyer belt with a non-slip surface.The belt creates a large surface contact with the wafers which guarantees a gentle transport. Bosch Rexroth has launched its new TSsolar conveyor family for usage in manufacturing of photovoltaic modules. TSsolar supports the gentle flow of solar panel materials of any required width by using special, coated toothed belts aligned in many parallel tracks. TSsolar can also handle hot panels up to 160°C. Long transfer distances are subdivided into shorter segments, each of which has its own drives. Based on Rexroth’s industry standard conveyors for assembly lines, TSsolar provides a cost-effective solution and supports PV manufacturers in their effort to further reduce cost per Wp.
low-friction fabric coating or soft PU-coating for high grip or Viton coating for panel temperatures of up to 160°C. Frequency converters provide for delicate braking and accelerating, and gently stop the panels at the processing points, or if the following segment is still occupied by another module. The modules are ready for installation and can easily be reconfigured. Applications Transport of photovoltaic modules in thin-film and C-Si technology. Platform The TSsolar system comprises straight conveyor modules with 1 to 5 parallel tracks, lift/ transverse modules plus a full range of accessories like leg sets, stop gates, positioning units, sensors, etc. Variable conveyor speeds up to 36 m/min. Rated payload of 120 kg per drive, freely configurable lengths and widths up to 3m. All modules are certified for usage in cleanrooms class 6 (EN ISO 14644).
Problem Glass substrates used in production of PV-modules — whether crystalline or thin-film technology — need to be gently transported throughout and between processes. The glass substrates are not only relatively large and extremely fragile, but also sensitive to contamination. They must not be allowed to sag and must be moved in a manner that is free of all vibrations. Some processing, Availability e.g., lamination, involves high temperatures. September 2008 Solution Rexroth TSsolar conveyors can be tailored to match any size of glass panels up to 3 x 3 m. They can be equipped with toothed belts having either
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BEKAERT ADVANCED COATINGS SPUTTER COMPONENTS
Bekaert Advanced Coatings, a total solution provider for rotatable sputter technology, developed a series of flexible and high performing sputter hardware components for rotating cylindrical magnetron applications. With these key components a customized and complete sputter solution can be worked out in close collaboration with the customer. Whether it concerns an existing coater in an upgrade/rebuild project or a new coater in a green field project, maximum flexibility can be offered for building in all critical components needed for sustaining a controlled process to realize high end products.
peak, by gaining from the advantages of this rotatable technology, e.g. a larger useful target material inventory and increased target material utilization, leading to reduced machine downtime; an increased process stability for reactive depositions (drastically reduced arc sensitivity); an enhanced target cooling leading to the ability to use higher power density and thus obtaining a higher deposition rate; a more focused ejection of particles and an enhanced anode functionality during AC sputtering.
Solution Bekaert offers sputter hardware solutions for rotating cylindrical magnetron applications. With the critical key components, a customized solution can be worked out in close collaboration with the customer. This allows PV cell manufacturers to reduce the cost per Watt
pumps, plenum and process control), integration of the solution (PLC control, safety interlocks, custom designed automation etc.) and rotatable targets.
Applications Sputtering of transparent conductive oxides (such Problem as doped oxides of In, Zn, Sn and Cd), reflective Within the large area coating business the rotating layers (thin film), anti-reflective layers (c-Si) and cylindrical magnetron concept has proven to offer absorbers, necessary in the production of PV superior properties relative to the planar concept cells. and to satisfy most of the industrial requirements. Platform Especially in architectural and automotive The Bekaert sputter module solutions consist of industry this technology is commonly accepted the magnetron (end blocks, compact end block or as state-of-the-art. In display and PV applications Bekaert Axial Magnetron and adjustable magnet however, the use of rotatable technology is more bars), electronics (which can be DC or AC), gas recently introduced and not yet well-known. control (which can consist of gas manifold,
Contact Tel: +32 9 381 61 61 Email: infobac@bekaert.com Web: www.bekaert.com/bac
PASAN ELECTRONIC LOAD
Contact Tel: +41 (0)32 391 11 36 Email: anja.knaus@3-s.ch Web: www.3-s.ch
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Availability Total solution is available – please contact Bekaert Advanced Coatings for information.
Pasan SA introduces a new electronic load that is more accurate and offers several additional features. This electronic load not only is fitted for module and cell flashers, but also can be combined with continuous light sources. Furthermore the equipment is suitable for outdoor testing. Pasan SA is a company of 3S Industries AG. Pasan develops and produces highly advanced systems for the measurement of photovoltaic cells and modules. The company is located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
bits. The maximum current is increased to 50 A in order to enable testing of large panels. For each chanel a deviation of +/- 0.1 % at 25°C is guaranteed instead of formerly +/- 0.2 %. The start of measurement is programmable from the starting point of flash. Last but not least the new electronic load can provide up to two different irradiance levels during one flash. By that, series resistance (Rs) on modules can be determined according to IEC standard in one single flash. The new electronic load will be introduced by stages in all Pasan module and cell testers. It also will be Problem Testing of modules and cells demand higher available as a standalone unit. accuracy and an increasing number of features. Applications This influences the light source as well as the Module and cell flashers, continuous light electronic load. Furthermore the line integration sources, outdoor applications and interfacing with control and quality Platform management systems become more and more Pasan supplies the PV industry with high important. performance testing equipment for cells and Solution modules. First of all the system aquires and proceeds data Availability much faster than before. It also provides a higher April 2009 D/A and A/D resolution of 16 bits instead of 12
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
KOMAX THIN FILM BUSSING SYSTEM
Contact Tel: +41 41 799 4 500 Email: stefan.kaufmann@komaxgroup.com Web: www.komaxgroup.com
REIS ROBOTICS LASERTEC
Product Briefing Outline Komax AG has introduced its new thin film bussing system which enables precise dispensing of one and two component glue. The existing ribbon handling technology was further improved to eliminate the chambering of the ribbon. This allows supplying the ribbon from bigger spools. As an option, a system with middle bus bar is available.
In addition to that, the viscosity of the silver filled epoxy glue strongly depends on the ambient temperature. The system supplier for photovoltaic module lines, Reis Robotics, has already implemented a newly developed laser soldering procedure for practical use with several customers.
Solution A newly developed laser soldering method ensures further increases in quality, shortened cycle times and reductions in manual rework. An integral process controller monitors and documents the production process.
Tel: +49 (0) 6022-503-307 Email: mailto:s.guenther@reisrobotics.de Web: www.reisrobotics.de
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
To keep the viscosity of the glue constant and independent from the ambient temperature, Komax has introduced a heating/cooling element in its dispensing head. This allows precise dispensing of the glue, together with a mechanism which keeps the distance between the nozzle and the glass surface constant.
In order to cover and fix the ribbon, a black cover tape can be applied as it is often used for CI(G)S Modules. If no tapes are needed, the glue can be cured directly in an additional cell. As an option, an automatic cross contacting is available. Applications Problem Thin film photovoltaic modules (substrates as Thin copper ribbons are used together with well as superstrates). conductive glue to contact the first and the Platform last cell of a thin film module. Those ribbons Komax supplies equipment for the crystalline are delivered on coils or on large spools (with module production and for thin film back end up to 2000m on a single spool). However, the module production. The thin film bussing system chambering of the ribbons makes it very difficult is part of the Komax thin film pre-lamination line. to contact a single, small cell, especially in the case of thin film modules where the cells are Availability October 2008 often longer than one meter.
Problem Photovoltaics manufacturers are increasingly anxious to fully exploit the automation potential of their production in order to deal with the increasing demands for lower prices. Reis Robotics as system supplier with its subsidiary Reis Lasertec as laser welding specialist has been successful for some years in the practical implementation of these very complex application tasks.
Contact
Solution In order to eliminate the chambering also for long thin film cells, Komax adapted its proven ribbon handling technology from the Xcell stringers. In addition, a technology to apply a cover tape was developed as well.
In doing this, it is possible to concentrate the heat input such that soldering can be done directly on the EVA foil. With direct soldering on the foil, unnecessary multiple handling of the strings during the pre-process is avoided. The integrated process control offers further advantages - it monitors the soldering of each
joint individually and the data from this can be transferred and saved in a database for later documentation and quality control. Furthermore, faulty solder joints are reported directly via a monitor at a subsequent work station so that a worker recognizes these immediately and can manually resolder.With this procedure cycle times of less than 40 seconds per module are obtained for a module with 60 cells and 36 soldering spots. In this station, two Reis robots perform the soldering. In a separate station, two further robots automatically lay out the interconnection terminal lugs. The lugs are fed directly from a reel, using a specially developed system and presented in the correct position for the robot to pick up. This laser soldering system offers decisive advantages compared to other procedures: • low mechanical strain of the soldering joint • precise regulation of the soldering temperature • low operating cost • process stability in the position tolerances of the components • simple integration into automated systems • low maintenance costs
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
NEWPORT CORPORATION / SPECTRA-PHYSICS SOLARYX EDGE
Contact Tel: 650-966-5856 Email: dave.clark@newport.com Web: www.newport.com
MASCHINENBAU GEROLD GMBH & CO. KG PRODUCTION CELL PV-MODULE EDGE TRIMMING
Existing thin film photovoltaic panels are required by UL1703/UL61730 to have a minimum of 6.5mm or 9.5mm wide coating free non-conductive area around their edge or periphery. Problem Most manufacturers remove this material using abrasive techniques such as diamond wheels or sand blasting. Theses techniques can cause glass damage, create large amounts of contaminated consumable waste and are costly processes to run and maintain in a manufacturing environment.
Tel: +49 (0) 21 57 / 81 70 Email: info@gerold-mb.de www.gerold-mb.de
PAGE 20
Applications Edge deletion of CdTe, a-Si, and CIGS panels. Platform SolaryX Edge – Laser Edge Deletion System Availability 6 – 18 weeks, depending on configuration
Solution The SolaryX Edge Laser Edge Deletion system uses a clean, non-contact laser technique to completely remove the coating stack from around the periphery of the panel without creating significant amounts of consumable waste and with no damage to the glass. The material is removed using a laser beam that is selectively absorbed by the coatings but not the glass, this
Product Briefing Outline It pleases each head of module production if a capital investment significantly economizes production while offering a payback period of well under one year. Such unique potential is now being offered by GEROLD. The German automation specialist engineered a PV-tested production cell for automated edge trimming of PV-modules. Problem In customary production lines, trimming laminated PV-modules is manually performed. Hence, it belongs to the hard and time-consuming operations, whereas sources of defects cannot be eliminated satisfactorily.
Contact
beam is rapidly scanned around the edge of the substrate enabling very short process times of 30-90 sec per panel depending on the size.
Applications Whether glass-glass- or glass-foil-module, thin-film or crystalline, the robot ensures forcecontrolled trimming of all module edges within seconds. Platform The trimming station can be set up parallel to an existing production line, or integrated into a line. Linking is done by means of angular transfers or by linearly connecting two lines, respectively. The handshake with the upstream component’s PLC is limited to a simple start signal. Thus, the GEROLD production cell is smoothly integrated, regardless of different on-site conditions. Sound planning anticipated, and cell configuration permitting, installation can be finished within as little as one day.
Solution GEROLD’s production cell completely automates this operation with module finishing. The compact Availability cell-concept with minimum footprint features November 2008 onwards a versatile industrial robot and an efficient trimming tool. Typically, labor is reduced by four people with 24/7-operation. An easily integrated inspection station offers even more savings.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
DR. SCHENK SOLARINSPECT. ROLLTOROLL
SolarInspect.RollToRoll is a turnkey vision system that offers reliable quality control throughout the running production process of flexible thin film solar modules based on roll-to-roll processes.
relevant production steps, the SolarInspect. RollToRoll systems detect, pinpoint and accurately classify defects or irregularities on the surfaces of incoming flexible base materials through to the finished flexible solar module. The user-friendly graphical interface provides clear diagrams and analyzing tools, displaying detailed defect information together with high-resolution images.
Problem With the fast developing PV market, more and more areas of application open up for flexible thin film solar modules based on roll-to-roll processes. For manufacturers of these modules, the optical inspection of the material plays an For this new solution, Dr. Schenk has combined important role when it comes to the optimization its outstanding experience in inspecting thin film of module quality. solar modules on glass substrates with those in If defects in the base material, such as inspecting web material for the paper, metal and particles, bumps, contaminations and dents, plastics industries. Manufacturers can benefit remain undetected, the module passes through from the reliability of the Dr. Schenk systems and all subsequent processing steps inducing the thorough expertise of the project engineers. unnecessary production costs. If not detected Applications during final sample testing – defect modules SolarInspect.RollToRoll is applicable to nearly might even be delivered to the customer! all thin film solar modules based on roll-to-roll Just as important as the control of incoming processes including modules on metal and quality is the inspection after important process plastics base. It reliably inspects material of any steps like layer deposition or scribing. The width, thickness and speed. The system is highly detection of irregularities, such as pinholes flexible for a perfect adaptation to customer or color and layer thickness variations, will in needs and consists of modular components to addition enable to draw conclusions about the keep the investment low.
Contact Tel: +49-89-85695-172 Email: Antje.Reich@drschenk.com www.drschenk.com
VOGT LIFE CYCLE SUPPORT
Contact Tel: +49 30 397440-0 Email: vogt-flcs @vogtgroup.com Web: www.vogt-flcs.com
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
production process. Only a constant monitoring Platform: allows fast corrective action to be taken when The inspection information is processed using process deviations appear. high performance LED illumination units, highresolution CCD Line scan cameras and an Solution The SolarInspect.RollToRoll from Dr. Schenk imaging software specifically designed for rollhas been designed to fulfill these special to-roll material for solar modules. requirements for the production of flexible thin Availability film solar modules. Fully integrated in-line after September 2008 worldwide Many companies of the solar industry have left the start-up phase behind. Therefore the vogt - factory life cycle support GmbH developed a portfolio to continually act as a comprehensive service partner. The service package is unique on the PV market so far and supports the industry in all aspects of production optimization and cost efficiency.
• Simulation modeling • Bottleneck identification / increasing uptime • Automation improvement • Project management optimization / scheduling • Cost of ownership reduction programme
• Problem Following a successful pilot phase, a PV • manufacturing plant will automatically shift its focus to increase productivity and quality. • Solution With our services for process optimization we can help to arrange a comprehensive preventive maintenance concept which will reduce unplanned downtime and will lead to yield improvement resulting from wafer breakage reduction, as well as enhanced availability and throughput. Our services for process optimization include
Quality optimization analyses Determination of key performance indicators (KPIs) Roadmaps for preventive maintenance and implementation of optimization potential
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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
3S SWISS SOLAR SYSTEMS XL LAMINATOR
3S Swiss Solar Systems, a leading provider of technology for solar energy, has introduced the XL-Laminator with the patented Hybrid Heating Plate, which can process both crystalline and thin-film photovoltaic modules.
complete production fail-out as would be the case by using a multi-opening lamination technology. The proven XL-Lamination process is divided in three steps in three different chambers: in the first pre-lamination step the encapsulant is being liquefied and the air and gas pockets are being removed from the laminate. In the second chamber the laminate is cured to the stable finished module, whereas the third chamber, the cooling press, allows the controlled cooling of the modules to room temperature. This facilitates the further processing of the modules after lamination as well as in automated production lines to have the module at the required 25째C for the final measurement step.
The laminator has been exclusively supplied to a large customer, which has used it successfully on a 24/7 basis since January 2008. The principle of the XL-Laminator is simple though efficient: it splits the lamination process in three subsequent chambers. By this, the cycle time is reduced drastically compared to a normal lamination cycle. The total annual output capacity of the new XLLaminator is up to 60 MWp per year. The hybrid heating system offers the highest reliability and process repeatability. The patented 3S Hybrid Heating Plate ensures Problem the very high temperature homogeneity over the PV-module production plants are requiring whole heating plate. Process stability, high module more machine up-time, module yield and yield, high machine up-time, high reproducibility quality output. Therefore, a reliable and proven as well as reliability are additional outstanding lamination method has the highest potential for and recognised advantages of 3S Laminators. improvement. Applications
Contact Tel: +41 (0) 32 391 1135 Email: aktie@3-s.ch www.3-s.ch
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Solution With the new 3S XL-Laminator using the proven and reliable hybrid heating plate, a reduction of the cycle time of up to 50% in comparison to a single step laminator is achieved. Furthermore, the specific footprint/MWp is optimized in comparison to standard laminators with the additional advantage of redundancy of production capacity. The latter is reducing the risk of a
High-volume production of crystalline and thinfilm modules. Platform 3S supplies the Laminator, Stringer, Flasher, as well as fully- (or partly-) automated production lines. Availability February 2009 worldwide
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
ISSUE 2 - DEC 2008
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Hans-Juergen Stangl (Stangl Semiconductor)
ADVISORY BOARD Vice President Sven Jarby (Oerlikon)
Mr. Peter Pauli, Meyer Burger Mr. Antonio Schmidt, Manz Automation Mr. Gopal Shankar, ib-vogt Mr. Ed Hurley, Spire Corp Mr. Russell Yau, Anwell Precision Technology
CONTACT DETAILS Vice President Albert Vontz (Kuka Systems)
Treasurer Steffen Guenther (Reis Robotics)
Secretary Andreas Schöni (3S Swiss Solar Systems)
Managing Director Bryan Ekus
Assistant Treasurer Richard Grundmüller (InnoLas GmbH)
Board Member Manfred Schroeder (Ebara Precision Machinery)
Managing Director: Bryan Ekus ekus@IPVEA.com EUROPE ADDRESS IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association P.O. Box 1610 D-63406 Hanau, Germany Mobile: +1 49 1577 682 7926 US ADDRESS IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association P.O. Box 771507 Orlando, Florida 32877, USA Tel: +1 407 856 9100 Fax: +1 407 856 9500 Mobile: +1 407 733 1901
Board Member Stefan Schiller (Schiller Automation)
COMMITTEES TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE (Established) Charter: To provide a balanced context on current and emerging technologies that impact members of the IPVEA and the marketplace. The Committee serves as a key resource for identification and assessment of future technology development that will have relevance. STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE (Proposed) Charter: Guide the broad scope of current IPVEA activities, including, but not limited to trade events, public relations, promotions, and educational endeavors. STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS COMMITTEE (Proposed) Charter: Proposes the adoption of specifications and standards where none existed before and transmits the same with recommendations to the IPVEA community.
ANTITRUST STATEMENT
Participants in this association agree to be mindful of the constraints of antitrust laws. There shall be no discussions of agreements or concerted actions that may restrain competition. This prohibition includes the exchange of information concerning individual prices, rates, coverages, market practices, claims settlement practices, or any other competitive aspect of an individual company’s operation.
Be sure to sign up at http://www.ipvea.com for our e-mailed monthly solar industry news updates, and also send to ekus@ipvea.com the e-mail addresses of colleagues who would like to also receive the quarterly newsletter and monthly updates.
Disclaimer: IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association uses its best efforts to ensure that all the information in this newsletter and on its website is kept up-to-date. Any warranty to the correctness and actuality cannot be assumed. IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association reserves the right to make changes or additions to the information made available at any time without notice. Copyright: The content of the IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association website is protected by copyright. No information, data, texts, parts of texts or images may be copied or used in any way without the prior permission of IPVEA International Photovoltaic Equipment Association.
IPVEA NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2 - DECEMBER 2008
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