AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION
June 2011
THE INAUGURAL ISRAELI PAVILION: A PARTNER IN SOLAR POWER Alternative Energy News spoke with Sigal Admony-Ravid, Consul for Economic Affairs, The Government of Israel Economic Mission to the West Coast.
AEN: What is the goal of the
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FIVE TIPS TO MAXIMIZE SOLAR YIELD WITH METEOCONTROL
By Benjamin Compton, C.O.O. & V.P. of Commercial Operations at meteocontrol North America, one of the world’s most innovative and influential leaders in solar performance. Continued on Page 33
COOPER INDUSTRIES BRINGS INNOVATION AND RELIABILITY TO INDUSTRY
INTERTEK DELIVERS SIZABLE ADVANTAGES TO SOLAR MANUFACTURERS
AEN: What sets Cooper Industries company apart from the competition?
AEN: What is new in the testing and certification industry?
Continued on Page 33
Rob Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer, Cooper Industries, tells us about their current product emphasis.
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS SPUR INCREASE IN OAIʼS SOLAR SALES
Continued on Page 36
OAI’s Solar Test Division announced a significant increase in sales. Sales were spurred not only by increases in OAI’s standard solar simulator line, but also by new, innovative products. OAI introduced an advanced 350 nm to 1800 nm Continued on Page 28
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR JETION SOLAR USA
Jetion Solar USA has opened a facility in Charlotte, N.C. The company is owned and operated by Jetion Solar China Ltd., a multinational manufacturer of PV solar modules. It is the company’s first effort to serve the U.S. market as a stand-alone operation. In a facility of
ENTEGRIS: BRINGING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO PHOTOVOLTAIC INDUSTRY
Continued on Page 41
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AIR LIQUIDE: PARISIAN GAS MANUFACTURER IS A GLOBAL LEADER Chris Ryan, Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP details why his company is a global leader in gases.
AEN: Tell our readers a little about your
DEHN EXPANDS PRODUCT RANGE FOR DC PV APPLICATIONS
Continued on Page 41
The rapidly growing PV industry, now generating at DC voltages of 600 and 1000 V, has placed exceptional demands on the current SPD technology, and the previously available SPD products intended to protect systems components such as inverters,
Sunny Rai, Business Line Director, Photovoltaic Products for Intertek, discusses their impact on the solar power industry.
Entegris Vice President, Energy, Stuart Tison shares what his company brings to the solar power market.
HUETTINGER: EFFICIENT SOLAR CELLS, SHORTER PRODUCTION CYCLES
SPARQ SYSTEMS, INC. REFU SOLAR ELECTRONICS, LAUNCHES PV CLEANTECH INC. OFFERS OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH SANMINA QUALITY
Continued on Page 20
Dr. Pawel Grabowski, President of HUETTINGER Electronic, Inc., talks about successful introduction of the new portfolio of generators assigned for solar and semiconductor industry in the U.S. market. Continued on Page 33
AEN: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line Continued on Page 36
New solar microinverter design significantly increases product lifespan and reliability.
SPARQ Systems, Inc., a Canadian global provider of solar microinverters, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Continued on Page 28
Continued on Page 36
Alternative Energy News caught up with Alan Beale, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for REFU Solar Electronics, Inc., the North American subsidiary of REFUsol GmbH, a PV inverter manufacturer making waves with its long-awaited entry to the North American market. Continued on Page 28
HENKEL CORPORATION: ADHESIVES, SEALANTS AND CLEANERS HELP HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SUN 4
June 2011
Comprehensive line of Henkel products supports solar cell and module assembly and installation.
To reduce costs and improve the reliability of sensitive photovoltaic devices, Henkel Corporation offers a comprehensive line of adhesives, sealants and cleaners for photovoltaic manufacturing and installation. Currently on exhibit at Intersolar North America booth 5329, these high-tech products comply with
relevant standards of the photovoltaic industry and are widely used in a range of applications, from silicon wafer production to installation of huge solar arrays. Henkel products include structural adhesives, elastomers, thermally and/or electrically conductive materials, die attach adhesives, encapsulants, sealants, molding compounds and cleaners. These products are specifically designed for: • Silicon wafer production including ingot bonding and wafer cleaning;
FLEXLINKʼS UNIQUE NICHE SPECIALIZATION FOR HANDLING SOLAR CELL AND WAFER TRANSPORTATION IN MANUFACTURING OF SOLAR PANELS In 2009, FlexLink acquired sole distribution rights to a product line called Montrac in the Americas. Launching at Intersolar last year, this independently powered shuttle transporting system moves products through production systems. Distinctly different from FlexLink’s traditional plastic chain offering, this monorail technology has unique benefits for handling cells and wafers.
Based on a sensor and track system, Montrac is an impact-free system that uses controlled acceleration and deceleration at each stop station to avoid collision. This is achieved using flags on the side of the track in which the base of the shuttle will glide over and respond to the flag. Furthermore, optic sensors in the front of each shuttle are able to sense objects in its path and will decelerate to
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Continued on Page 17
avoid impact. This makes transportation of products delicate and smooth, while at the same time very fast. Specific to the solar industry, Montrac gently and efficiently tranfers wafers and cells throughout the production process. The most unique capability is moving the wafers and cells in the same orientation in which they are needed for the process equipment. In essence, this eliminates additional equipment such as robots to handle maneuvering and orienting the material. Additionally, the materials remain consolidated on the same shuttle throughout transport, process and storage. This drastically simplifies the material handling process Continued on Page 41
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Alternative Energy News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2011 All rights reserved. Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-721-1300/Fax: 520-721-6300 www.oser.com European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy.
HERAEUS: NOVEL FRONT & BACKSIDE CELL DESIGNS FOR IMPROVED COST PERFORMANCE RATIO 12
June 2011
Heraeus Photovoltaic Business Unit, a world leader in developing front and back-side silver pastes for crystalline solar cells, is highlighting a new cell design for mono and multicrystalline silicon solar cell wafers at Intersolar North America 2011, exhibiting at booth 9357. Heraeus recognizes that the current high market price of silver has made the price of silver metallization pastes a concern for crystalline silicon cell manufacturers. The need for both high performance silver-based pastes for improved cell performance and costeffective conducting materials is a critical requirement for PV manufacturers. Heraeus supports these industry needs by working with cell manufactures to incorporate our materials into their cell designs and investigating methods to improve our customers’ cost position.
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Our newly proposed crystalline silicon cell designs offer up to a 25- and 40-percent paste reduction for the front and back sides, respectively, while maintaining electrical and adhesive integrity.
Front-side Design: Industry standard Heraeus SOL9235HL front-side paste was used on 55Ω/sq
AETI LAUNCHES 1 MW 1000 VOLT INVERTER WITNESS TESTED TO UL 1741
For several years, North American utilities and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms have resisted the newer 1000 volt over legacy 600 volt solar farm designs due to the lack of 1000 volt utility grade UL 1741 tested solar inverters on the market. Most firms are reluctant to use solar inverters above 600 volts that are not witness tested to this UL standard by a national laboratory. With AETI’s 1 MW solar inversion station becoming the first system witness-tested to UL 1741 at 1000 volts, financiers, developers, utilities and EPCs are able to build utility-grade solar farms with higher ROI when designing with higher voltage 1000 volt UL tested photovoltaic panels. Yet, they are able to retain all of the electrical safety and lifetime reliability benefits of legacy 600 volt UL tested systems. AETI has shipped more than one GW of power distribution and conversion systems into the world’s harshest environments during its 65 years in the energy industry. Its power conversion expertise in multi-megawatt power conversion systems is key to the design of the industry’s first 1 MW Integrated Solar Inversion Station (ISIS) tested to the UL1741 year 2010 standard at 1000 volts. Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) developed UL 1741 Standards 2000, 2005 and 2010 as an independent witness testing organization, which has been writing and testing products to their electrical compliance and safety standards for more than a century. The United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and California Energy Commission (CEC) today approve of few Nationally Recognized Test Laboratories (NRTLs) to perform UL 1741 testing for solar inverters. As a globally recognized NRTL, TUV Rheinland is able to provide a test report
Continued on Page 20
that validates AETI’s 1 MW ISIS meets all UL 1741 year 2010 standard criteria, which are far more rigorous than the earlier year 2000 and 2005 UL 1741 standard test criteria that legacy solar inverters currently meet. AETI’s ISIS allows financiers, utilities and developers to deploy UL tested equipment at the higher solar panel voltages of 1000 volts DC commonly used in Europe today. This directly translates to 10 to 15 percent more watts per dollar and greater return on investment from using 1000 volt balance of system equipment. Along with the higher input and output voltage ratings, AETI’s ISIS system also offers higher ambient operating temperature without the use of HVAC systems, improved PV panel to MV collection grid efficiencies, soft power start-up to extend farm component life while improving grid stability, and the world’s widest power factor compensation capabilities down to 0 pf. All of this, in a selfskidded, environmentally secure and precommissioned NEMA 3R line-up with a built-in utility-compliant SCADA System. AETI is presenting the 1 MW 1000 volt UL tested Integrated Solar Inversion Station at Intersolar North America 2011, booth 5453 in the North Hall. For more information, contact John Skibinski at jskibinski@aeti.com or call 412-478-4792.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLUTIONS JUNCTION BOXES FROM HISCO INC. Alter native Enegy News
New from Hosiden America Corporation is the HSC2115 junction box for crystalline silicon solar modules. This product and other Hosiden junction boxes and connectors are distributed through Hisco in North America. The outer dimensions for the HSC2115 are 110.8 mm x 80.6 mm x 17.5mm. The box has four poles and the diode rating is 30 amps. The HSC2115 has met both UL and TUV certifications and is rated to 1000V DC (EN)/ 600V DC (UL). The maximum rated current is 11 Amps and the operating temperature is -40˚C to 90˚C. The HSC2115 junction box is designed to improve both module manufacturing and reliability. The contacts have a wide area for soldering in order to improve the workability and reduce contact resistance. The leads are also bent down to the bottom, which increases the surface area and enables a smaller box size to lower costs. The space around the diodes and contacts mitigates air bubble formation during the potting process. There is a 3.8 mm span between the surface and potting surface and the live circuit. The floating structure of the contact design and the lead of diodes relax the stresses induced from temperature changes. Hosiden and Hisco have the ability
to collaborate with solar companies to design and manufacture innovative custom and cost-effective interconnect solutions for photovoltaic devices. Hisco is a leading distributor of materials for the photovoltaic manufacturing industry in North America. For more than 40 years, Hisco has delivered value to customers through quality products, process solutions and local inventory. Today, the international branch network includes 33 stocking locations—24 in the United States (including Puerto Rico), nine operated by the HiscoMex subsidiary in Mexico and one operated by HiscoCan in Canada. Four Precision Converting facilities provide valueadded fabrication and custom repackaging. Hisco also offers vendor-managed inventory programs and specialized warehousing for chemical management, cold storage and logistic services. Please visit Hisco and 3M at booth 9465 at Intersolar 2011, or visit Hisco Inc. at www.hiscoinc.com or bandrew@hiscoinc.com.
TÜV RHEINLAND PTL: A SOLAR LEADER
Based in Tempe, Arizona, TÜV Rheinland PTL® is a partnership between Arizona State University, with its more than 30 years of solar energy research and testing, and TÜV Rheinland, the $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment and certification services. Founded in 1992 and operated by its College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, ASU’s Photovoltaic Testing Lab (PTL) was the only major North American test facility and was instrumental in the development of many of the major standards in the marketplace today. In 2008, ASU and TÜV Rheinland entered into a joint venture to create TÜV Rheinland PTL, adding the world’s most comprehensive, sophisticated, state-ofthe-art facility to the largest network of solar energy laboratories worldwide. Approximately 80 percent of all solar module manufacturers have their products tested at TÜV Rheinland to obtain national and international market Henkel Corporation (Con’t. from p. 4)
concentrator module production, including solar cell bonding, housing assembly; and glass/PMMA lens bonding and sealing • Crystalline and thinfilm module production including junction box potting/fixturing/bonding/sealing, module framing/mounting, and electrically conductive bonding • Frameless thinfilm module production including frameless sealing and module
licenses. TÜV Rheinland operates test laboratories for solar modules and systems in Tempe and five other locations worldwide, including Cologne, Germany; Shanghai, China; Taichung, Taiwan; Yokohama, Japan; and Bangalore, India. TÜV Rheinland PTL provides its clients with state-of-the-art technology, global expertise and the advanced testing solutions required to ensure safety, reliability and performance of solar power technologies. TÜV Rheinland PTL is an ISO 17025 accredited facility by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA,) and performs tests of many critical standards required Continued on Page 41
mounting • Building integrated photovoltaic with flexible modules including laminating on plastic or metal panels, laminating on flexible roofing membranes, weather/UV protection, and junction box potting and bonding
Henkel products for solar production are offered under the Loctite®, P3®, Teroson®, Multicore®, Hysol®, Macromelt®, ® ® Purmelt and Liofol brands. For more information on Henkel
BAJAʼS SOLAR SUPPORT SYSTEM— DESIGNED FROM A CARPORT BUT ENGINEERED FOR THE SUN June 2011
Baja Construction, the leader in highly specialized and engineered solar support structures has installed its Solar Support System™ at facilities generating, in aggregate of 35MWs of power. Baja will custom design, engineer, supply and install Solar Support Systems to support PV and secondarily, shade vehicles of all heights. PV is mounted directly to Baja’s Solar Support System with a patent-pending connection that delivers minimal impact to the site, maximum efficiencies for installation and the potential for additional revenue.
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For more information, email bob@bajacarports.com, visit www.baja carports.com or stop by booth 7051.
ANGSTROM SCIENCES, INC.: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE
In 1988, Angstrom Sciences was founded by Mark Bernick. Mark founded Angstrom Sciences on the premise that the thin film deposition community was desperately in need of a better “mousetrap.” In conjunction with an effort to also provide the thin film community with a highly responsive materials supplier, Angstrom enjoyed early success with magnetrons and materials supporting room temperature superconductivity research. Developing unique corporate IP focused on tailoring magnetic fields to optimize the sputter deposition process along with novel cooling technology, Angstrom enjoyed success across a spectrum of product offerings that included a full range of circular and linear magnetrons. During this time period, Angstrom became regarded as one of the world leaders in deposition technology focused on magnetron sputtering and became the principal supplier to many of the leading OEM system manufacturers. In 2000, Angstrom initiated activities to broaden both the technical and commercial reach of its product lines. To address the needs of the semiconductor manufacturers who require large circular magnetrons with high material utilization and extraordinary uniformity, Angstrom developed a line of products that incorporate rotating magnet arrays. At the same time, recognizing the needs of the large area coating producers, a series of retrofit modules were developed to improve the yield, utilization and perproducts for solar cell production, call 800-562-8483 or visit www.henkelna .com/solar. A copy of the company’s brochure on solar products, Solutions for the Photovoltaic Industry, is available online at www.henkelna.com/solar or by calling 888-427-3676 or emailing literature.marcom@us.henkel.com and requesting LT-6101. Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and
formance of the planar magnetrons which dominated the industrial landscape at that time. These two activities have set the stage for the latest chapter in Angstrom’s history: developing robust, cylindrical magnetrons for the PV and flat panel display markets. In 2006, Richard Newcomb joined Angstrom Sciences to lead the cylindrical magnetron program. Rich previously held key positions at Airco/BOCCT and Applied Films (which subsequently became the PV division of Applied Materials), and brought to Angstrom Sciences key process knowhow and large-area coating expertise. Coming from a production environment, Rich knew first hand all of the attributes that a robust cylindrical magnetron would possess and, with an eye towards that, Rich developed the highly acclaimed Onyx Revolution®. Extensive field trials at multiple customer sites over the past 18 months have validated the superiority of Angstrom’s cylindrical magnetron technology. In all cases, higher material utilizations and enhanced deposition efficiency have been observed and documented when compared to our competition. These benefits are substantial and have been the driving force behind Angstrom’s success with this product line. Continued on Page 41
Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with wellknown brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion in fiscal 2009. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX, and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500.
NORDSON EFD: WORLD LEADER IN PRECISION DISPENSING SYSTEMS 20
June 2011
Our Technology Nordson EFD is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision dispensing systems for applying controlled amounts the solder pastes, of fluxes, sealants and other fluids used in photovoltaic manufacturing and other industrial assembly processes. We have helped numerous solar companies achieve higher levels of product innovation and process optimization. Both crystalline silicone and thin-film
module manufacturers have improved their product offerings through the use of our precision dispensing systems and high-quality solder pastes. For the past five years, Nordson EFD has been working closely with equipment and module manufacturers to achieve: • Higher yields • Greater cell efficiency and reliability • Lowest cost per watt • Less rework and fewer rejects • Lower production costs
Since introducing the first thick film metallization pastes for solar cells in the 1970s, Ferro has continued to innovate to make PV a more cost-competitive energy alternative. The leading supplier of solar materials, its products help increase electrical efficiencies, reduce manufacturing costs and improve the environment. Ferro’s research is pursuing both evolutionary and transformational pathways in crystalline silicon PV technology and beyond. The company’s expertise in particle synthesis, polymers, glass and dispersion technologies enable it to help propel the industry forward. “We have a number of new products nearing commercialization that will help cell manufacturers reduce cost per Watt,” says
Todd Williams, business manager for Ferro Electronic Materials. “These include reduced-deposit silver pastes for both front and rear contacts as well as reduced-deposit backside aluminum pastes that offer significant cost savings without sacrificing performance.” One of Ferro’s new products is an aluminum paste that was developed for next generation back surface passivated cells with point contacts (pictured). It does not fire through passivation layers, and forms excellent BSF in open areas (point contacts). Two rear silver pastes with reduced silver content and laydown tailored for different target fired thicknesses also are being readied for launch. All of these pastes are lead- and
FERRO PIONEERS NEXT GENERATION SOLAR MATERIALS
Intertek (Con’t. from p. 1)
SR: Among the many testing and certification services offered to ensure safe and reliable products entering global solar markets, photovoltaic performance testing stands out as a valuable service to differentiate products in a competitive market. Delivering independent verification of warranty claims, endurance, output and functionality in a variety of conditions; performance testing helps manufacturers substantiate value propositions.
AEN: What benefits does Intertek offer manufacturers looking to do performance testing?
SR: Performance testing goes beyond simply meeting standards. To prove the superior performance of a product over time, Intertek offers evaluation and testing services to support product development and validation. This commonly includes accelerated performance degradation, thermal cycling, efficiency Heraeus (Con’t. from p. 12)
mono-Si wafers. A standard three busbar with a 74 finger line design was used as the control. The experimental design modified the busbars using a block pattern made up of alternating 1.6mm and 590µm blocks, a 25-percent area reduction. With a 25-percent reduction in print weight, comparable electrical results are achieved. Adhesion analysis was
testing, accelerated reliability testing, failure mode verification testing (FMVT) and more. In addition to our technical expertise and services, Intertek is dedicated to providing the industry’s leading turnaround time and superior client services. Our global network of laboratories and expertise also adds value to manufacturers located and selling around the world.
AEN: What are the global markets that solar manufacturers should focus on?
SR: Opportunities abound for manufacturers of photovoltaic products and systems selling into the Japanese and other Asia-Pacific markets. The recent impact of the nuclear crisis in Japan caused by the March 11th earthquake has influenced the Japanese government to work towards garnering further support to promote the rapid growth of its renewable energy industry. This is definitely a market to keep a close watch on. The U.S. market is continuing to grow, and the performed with a standard soldering wire, and pulled at 180°. An overall average of adhesion forces was 25 percent lower for the experimental pattern, however, still comparable in localized areas according to the nodal pattern.
Back-side Design: Two experimental designs were made with 120µm and 320µm openings at 45° angles. The goal was to allow paste to bleed
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Our global experience and support can help you identify areas of competitive advantage—whether based on higher productivity, improved module quality, lower cost per watt or technological advances. Our Products Nordson EFD offers a broad portfolio of
cadmium-free.
Advanced Cell Architectures Ferro has developed a front silver plug hole paste for Metal Wrap Through (MWT) cell designs and a rear silver paste for N-type MWT configurations. For Emitter Wrap Through (EWT) architectures, Ferro has developed a rear silver European market is maintaining growth in the solar energy market. AEN: How can Intertek help manufacturers access these important markets?
SR: Intertek is committed to supporting its clients, located around the world, looking to access global markets experiencing accelerated growth for solar and renewable energy production.
Intertek is now recognized by the J-PEC (Japanese Photovoltaic Expansion Center), enabling photovoltaic products already tested and certified by Intertek to enter the Japanese market without gaining additional certifications or approvals.
In addition to the new agreement with Japan, Intertek already works with North American and European agencies like the Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission (CEC), Natural Resources Canada and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) to
together forming one continuous paste layer using Heraeus SOL215H back contact paste. This was achieved with 120µm. Comparable electrical results were achieved in both cases, with adhesion averages falling comparable to the reduction in amount of paste printed.
Conclusion: We have shown it is possible to achieve comparable electrical and adhesive
precision dispensing solutions to support solar module manufacturers at any stage of development—from manual stations to automated lines, our products can grow with you. • Precision spray valves dispense flux during solar module stringing and tabbing processes, and provide the ability to apply liquid flux in uniform patterns as small as 3.3 mm wide—eliminating the mess, waste and hazards of flux baths. The valves can be easily integrated into any manufacturing platform to achieve process optimization. • PICO™ non-contact jet dispensing Continued on Page 41
paste with heavy p doping for low contact resistance and a front silver paste suitable for through hole and fine grid lines. The company has metallization pastes for deep emitters that are compatible with Selective Emitter (SE) technologies, and materials for front and back Continued on Page 41
provide test reports for use by national, international and state level governments around the world, to approve end-user subsidies for the use and installation of PV products. Overall, Intertek can help manufacturers access more than 40 global certifications.
Intertek’s Solar Energy Centers of Excellence are located in Shanghai, China and Lake Forest, Calif. and are two of the industry’s most advanced solar energy laboratories. Both laboratories operate state-of-the-art equipment and can test and certify to North American and International standards for safety and performance. Intertek also operates photovoltaic and solar thermal laboratories in Plano, Texas; San Francisco, Calif.; Taipei, Taiwan and Guangzhou, China to support our clients globally. For more on what Intertek has to offer, stop by booth 8655, email icenter@intertek.com or visit www.intertek.com/solar.
results when using 25 percent less frontside metallization paste (Heraeus SOL9235HL), and comparable electrical and good adhesive results when using up to 40 percent less paste on the back side (Heraeus SOL215H). To see our test results and speak with our Technical Service staff, please visit us at booth 9357, or www.pvsilverpaste.com for more contact information.
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC TO SHOWCASE SOLAR SOLUTIONS 28
June 2011
Schneider Electric will present full solar solutions at Intersolar North America in booth 7510. The renewable energies business of Schneider Electric is focused on designing and developing photovoltaic products and solutions and providing best-in-class, global customer service and technical support. Schneider Electric provides the full solution from the panel DC output to the grid connection, including REFU Solar Electronics (Con’t. from p. 1)
Below is an excerpt from our discussion with Mr. Beale.
AEN: Tell our readers a little about your company. How long have you been in operation?
AB: REFUsol’s parent company was established in 1965, producing AC to DC conversion for drives applications such as trains and cranes. We channeled this expertise into PV inverters in the early 1990s. Our PV inverter business really took off starting in 2007, and we currently have almost 2GW of inverters in the field throughout Europe (Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic), China and India. The REFUsol brand has grown tremendously and we have built a strong and loyal customer base because our products offer outstanding efficiency, quality and design. And don’t just take our word for it. REFUsol inverters were ranked in the #1, #2 and OAI (Con’t. from p. 1)
Class AAA Solar Simulator ideal for multi-junction solar cell testing, a high current I-V tester and a solar power meter that were developed by working with customers as part of OAI’s customer-centered approach. As standard products, OAI offers: 50mm, 156 mm, 210 mm, and 300 mm Solar Simulators; low and high current I-V testers; test fixtures, and power meters with reference cells. OAI’s SPARQ Systems (Con’t. from p. 1)
Sanmina SCI Corp. (Nasdaq: SANM), a leading manufacturer of electronic and mechanical products. Sanmina will produce SPARQ’s new microinverters and communications hubs for solar photovoltaic systems for the consumer market. SPARQ has developed an efficient and low-cost microinverter solution that produces more AC power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shading conditions. The design eliminates unreliable components, which increases the lifespan of the microinverters threefold, giving homeowners up to 25 years of performance. The solar microinverters will be produced for global markets at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities in San Jose, Calif., and at the company’s Ottawa, Ontario facility for Canadian markets. “Sanmina-SCI’s core strengths include
monitoring and supervision. Among the products displayed will be the new Xantrex XC 1000 Vdc inverter, which will be available for shipment in early 2012. The XC Series is a new line of central inverters designed for high efficiency and flexibility for any PV panel type and installation. The XC series has peak efficiencies of 98.7 percent and its flexibility allows the inverter to be configured
#4 positions in the recent inverter rankings from Photon International Magazine (http://www.refusol.net/file admin/download/News/Sonderdruck_ Refu_017K.pdf).
AEN: What products are you offering in the North American Market?
AB: We are very excited to bring our inverter line to the North American market to support the strong growth of PV in both the U.S. and Canada. We are offering our string and central inverter lines in the NA market. Our REFUsol three-phase string units are available in 12, 16, 20 and 24kW power classes. We offer 500kW and 630kW central inverters which we will integrate into a PowerBox configuration for a turnkey 1.0MW or 1.3MW system, including transformer and medium voltage switching.
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with voltage and power outputs up to 680 kVA. In addition, the XC series is designed to allow for DC inputs up to 1000 Vdc for longer string lengths. Other products at the booth will include: • Conext™ Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters, a new line of single- and small three-phase inverters, featuring models ranging from 1.5 to 20 kW; • Schneider Electric™ Xantrex™ XW and ground-mounted commercial PV projects from 12kW to multi-megawatt. These units are outdoor-rated, extremely lightweight and compact and simple to mount so they can be put almost anywhere. Ideal rooftop applications include schools, warehouses, churches, municipal facilities and parking structures. There are also many benefits in using our string units in larger, ground-mount projects, including more granular maximum power point tracking and savings on balance of system (BOS) and construction costs. The REFUsol line of central inverters is ideal for large, utility-scale PV projects. Benefits include savings on BOS costs and rapid deployment utilizing our integrated PowerBox design. AEN: To what do you attribute your company’s success?
MPPT 80 600 Solar Charge Controller, which accepts voltages up to 600VDC and tracks the maximum power point of a PV array to efficiently deliver up to 80 A of charge current to storage batteries in 24 V or 48 V systems; • Schneider Electric Xantrex GT30 Grid-Tie Solar Inverter, a three-phase inverter that delivers 120/208 Vac out of the box and can be used as a building block for larger systems, and • PV Box, a pre-wired equipment package specifically designed to meet the growing demand of a large-scale grid-tied solar farms and large commercial installations. thoughtfully designed inverters in the business.We know what customers want: inverters that maximize PV system profits. REFUsol inverters deliver on this through world-class efficiency and long field life.
AEN: We know that a lot of companies and projects have been waiting for your inverters to be certified to UL 1741 standard. What it the status for this?
AB: Yes, this is very important and we are pleased to be working with UL, one of the most respected, nationally recognized testing laboratories in the U.S. Our inverters are finishing testing now and probably by print time of this interview in the Solar Power Daily News, the certification will be complete with full U.S. production commencing shortly after that. We are taking orders and we encourage end-users and partners to contact us to reserve units today!
AEN: What kinds of applications are you targeting? AB: Our three-phase REFUsol string inverters are perfectly suited to both roof-
AB: It is no secret that REFUsol is one of the most successful PV inverter brands in the world. REFUsol succeeds because we draw on our heritage of engineering in drive applications to make the most
For more information, visit www.refu sol.com, email info-usa@refusolar.com or call 408-790-2022.
line of TriSOL CLASS AAA Solar Simulators and I-V Testers are not only budget friendly, but also are easy to use, have long term reliability, meet the highest specifications and are competitively priced. The increase in OAI’s Solar Test business is a clear indication that the market recognizes the value incorporated in OAI’s approach. New solar test products that assist companies in both R&D and production are also in development. “For almost 40 years, OAI has
been a leader in the measurement and control of light,” said Dr. Charles Turk, President of OAI. “It is gratifying that we have been able to apply this expertise to the solar market and have seen the acceptance of our products by customers around the world,” he added. About 40 percent of OAI’s products are exported, demonstrating the worldwide acceptance of OAI’s manufacturing philosophy of using standard modules to get superior specifications with
cost-effective pricing. OAI expanded its manufacturing facility at the beginning of 2011 to meet the increased demand for its products. In addition, OAI set up a Solar Test Lab in its San Jose, Calif., facility. OAI maintains sales, manufacturing and engineering in San Jose, Calif., and has offices worldwide for sales and service. Contact OAI at www.oainet.com, email at sales@oainet.com, or visit them at Intersolar booth L 302.
a focus on alternative energy technologies,” says Praveen Jain, Chief Executive Officer of SPARQ Systems. “They have the expertise, the infrastructure and the track record to meet all of our product needs as we move into full-scale production. And Sanmina-SCI's multi-continental manufacturing presence is well-suited for SPARQ, in producing the microinverters to meet local content requirements globally. We are delighted to be working with this qualityfocused organization.” “We’re committed to helping the clean technology sector grow to its full potential. Partnering with companies like SPARQ to bring innovative new products to market is important to Sanmina-SCI’s overall clean technology strategy,” says Tom Clawson, Executive Vice President of Sanmina-SCI’s Industrial Markets. “We have brought hundreds of highly complex products to market and this deep knowledge of new product introductions
enables us to bring products like SPARQ’s new microinverters to market quickly and efficiently.” “We are very pleased to bring this Canadian innovation to global markets, enabling small businesses, consumers and manufacturers to reap the benefits of this highly reliable and efficient renewable energy technology,” says Randall North, Chief Operating Officer of SPARQ Systems. SPARQ will be launching its new products at Intersolar North America July 12-14. Their products can be viewed in booth 7446 in the West Hall, Moscone Center.
About Sanmina-SCI Sanmina-SCI Corporation is a leading electronics contract manufacturer serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina-SCI provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to OEMs primarily in the communications, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, enterprise computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina-SCI has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world. More information regarding the company is available at http://www.sanmina-sci.com. For more information, please visit SPARQ Systems, Inc. at booth 7446 and www.sparqsys.com, email info@ sparqsys.com or call 613-533-3438.
About SPARQ Systems, Inc. SPARQ Systems, Inc. is the global enabler of integrated AC modules. SPARQ microinverters are highly reliable, lightweight and compact, giving the user faster return on investment and increased flexibility. The company is based in Kingston, Ontario.
Alter native Enegy News meteocontrol (Con’t. from p. 1)
Today’s solar dealmakers (banks, investors, developers) demand maximized yields from solar investments as incentive rates decline. Cheaper PV pricing and stiff installation competition have led to concerns about system quality and reliability in the rapidly expanding North American PV market. Seeking the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and increased energy output, companies must find new ways to guarantee immediate returns and increase ongoing ROI without sacrificing quality. Top five tips to maximize solar yield: 1. Bankable yield forecasts Decision makers at banks and other investment firms demand accurate output projections to finance projects. The starting point to maximizing yield is a reliable prediction of the expected energy yield itself. The basis for bankability stems from dependable forecasts derived from long-term global irradiance trends and thorough analysis of localized variability in weather data. Tip: Seek experienced onsite Israel Mission (Con’t. from p. 1)
Government of Israel’s Economic Mission?
SAR: Our department strives to facilitate trade and investment between the 12 western United States and Israel. We work in both the private and public sectors to help companies in these two areas identify opportunities to partner, collaborate and share knowledge to mutually benefit both regions across a variety of industries and scales.
AEN: Why did you decide to host the inaugural Israeli pavilion at the Intersolar conference this year?
SAR: Israel and California have a special relationship when it comes to solar power. Our office has been active in a number of other conferences focused on HUETTINGER Electronic, Inc. (Con’t. from p. 1)
AEN: HUETTINGER Electronic has grown substantially, becoming a major player on the plasma market. What was the key for this success?
PG: Definitely quality is the first and most important factor. Our customers are extremely demanding of the reliability of their equipment, as any failure may generate losses in millions of dollars. Our advanced development and production processes provide excellent MTBF results. Also, the features of our generators save a lot of money through better process optimization. Finally, we should not forget about our mother company TRUMPF, which is a successful leader in the laser market. The backing of a two billion dollar company offers important stability to our customers. AEN: Sounds very promising. Which plasma markets do you consider successful? PG: We have one of the largest available product portfolios on the market for plasma applications. It covers perfectly
inspection firms with financial community credibility. Such firms are the best bet for generating accurate, trusted and bankable energy yield forecasts. 2. Project evaluation and construction supervision A PV plant’s yield is dependent on proper system configuration during the planning phase. During this stage, clearly articulate goals and include performance and risk mitigation, efficiency and quality-control protocols, and warranty terms. Conduct vendor audits and seek a knowledgeable construction supervision team to conduct quality control checks. Tip: Increase ROI by streamlining the construction process, ensuring ontime deliverables and identifying construction defects while focusing on open communication between the investor and construction team. solar energy in the past. At this year’s Intersolar, we saw an opportunity to reach a target market that Israel has championed domestically and would like to share with the rest of the world.
AEN: What current challenges in a renewable economy does Israel stand poised to provide solutions? SAR: One issue that Israel has been a leader in is solar thermal heating. It is an energy-intensive process to heat water. For the last two decades, solar thermal has been adopted as a seamless part of the Israeli lifestyle in over 80 percent of households and businesses. We would love to share this technology with visitors to Intersolar―an efficient and green alternative to the status quo. AEN: Describe Israeli business culture.
solutions for such markets as semiconductor, solar, FPD, data storage, glass coatings, functional coatings and many others. As a result of all the benefits we offer to our customers, we are a worldwide market player. In many cases we are the market leader. Finally, we are fast becoming a strong player in the semiconductor market which has been strategic for us. AEN: Are you introducing any new products this year?
PG: Yes we are. Actually, we have recently launched two new product lines called TruPlasma RF 1000 series, which are 3kW 13,56MHz and TruPlasma DC 3000 series which are 20-40kW DC generators. The first one was presented at InterSolar 2010. After this event, we had many requests leading to orders and promising forecasts. Similar market reaction occurred after we launched HUETTINGER’s new line of DC water cooled products. AEN: What are the main benefits of these products? PG: The TruPlasma RF 1003 was origi-
3. Bankability-focused certification and technical acceptance Just as consumers seek certified doctors or car dealers, financiers should require certification for solar projects. Independent PV assessments assure overall technical quality while minimizing the system’s risk of failure. Bankability evaluation includes financial risk assessment and independent, objective technical analysis of a PV project. Final verification of technical acceptance results is crucial. Tip: Utilize independent analysis and certification for improved financing options. Reduce risk and increase project viability through trusted third-party certification. 4. Real-time yield analysis To improve yield, develop a process to monitor and optimize system output. Products like meteocontrol’s safer’Sun Professional and Virtual Control Room provide analytical tools and alarming through real-time monitoring. Tip: Increase yield by minimizing production losses, responding promptly to outages and alarms and increasing SAR: There is a creative energy unique to Israel. Made up of 70 different nationalities, Israel breeds diverse start-ups in highly technical sectors. The Israeli business culture is characterized by perennial entrepreneurship, early adopters and straightforward risk takers that thrive on the promotion and exchange of new ideas. AEN: Why the specific focus on a sustainable economy?
SAR: Israel’s motivation for renewable energy stems from a desire for energy independence and to preserve its culturally historic environment. Everywhere you dig, there’s an ancient city! Because the country has a dearth of natural resources and a unique geopolitical situation, the one glaring choice for a national energy source is solar. This unique situation fortuitously makes it the perfect nally designed for the semiconductor market, but has had great acceptance by the solar market, as well. With its robust design architecture, which includes highenergy conversion efficiency greater than 80 percent, our customers can totally optimize their cost of ownership. The CombineLine power coupling technology used in this product assures high reliability, extreme accuracy, repeatability and process stability across the whole range of available powers. Even more, the results are independent of cable length, which makes this product very unique.
The TruPlasma DC Series 3000 NEW, was designed for sputter processes in solar cell manufacturing, facilitating thin and homogenous layers, even in higharcing processes like TCO sputtering. This enables longer processing time with less scrap and also offers an affordable alternative to pulsed generators. This is because it provides for excellent layering with considerably reduced investment costs. Customers easily recognize benefits like very low arc energy, less than 0.3mJ/kW and, again, independence of cable length! Finally, the arc management
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transparency of solar reports to optimize energy production.
5. Operations management Following construction, the key to longterm operational plant efficiency is to optimize yield, while learning from the data collected. Using internal personnel or an outside firm like meteocontrol, establish an operational program that includes a thorough preventive maintenance plan, a rapid response strategy for corrective actions, and perhaps even a long-term availability guarantee. Tip: Focus on PV systems operations as the value of kWh generation continues to increase. A comprehensive strategy for plant operations, including concrete action plans and reporting structures, ensures peak performance of system operations for years to come.
Come by and learn more about meteocontrol, including how to save money, increase solar bankability and optimize solar efficiency at booth 7150 during Intersolar North America. For more information, visit www.meteocontrol.com. “beta” country for research and development, as big ideas can be tested within a relatively small infrastructure before heading to the international stage. AEN: What do you hope to accomplish at the show?
SAR: Ideally, we can meet new contacts and generate highly relevant meetings at our pavilion. We try to create an environment where interactions can go beyond simple introductions and foster long-lasting business relationships. Many of the emerging technologies exhibiting at our pavilion are making waves in Israel and just need to partner with the right enterprises to truly impact the landscape of renewable energy. I encourage everyone to stop by our pavilion and start the conversation with the “start-up nation!” For more information, visit us at booth 8635. features help customers to achieve fast target conditioning which can easily be converted to financial benefits. AEN: The products are manufactured in Germany and Poland. Isn’t the distance an issue for U.S. customers?
PG: Not at all! We have two locations in U.S.: one in Santa Clara, Calif., and one in Farmington, Conn. Both locations have highly qualified staff (sales, service, application engineers and administration) and are capable of handling high volume sales. We can even provide “just in time” delivery for select customers. Also, the service reaction time with a service contract can be as little as one hour. When considering our growing success in the U.S., we strongly believe that our strategy to support our customers is working very well. So we will continue making more satisfied customers here in U.S. and the rest of the world. For more information, please visit HUETTINGER Electronic, Inc. at booth 5321, email info@us.huettinger.com or call 800-910-0035.
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June 2011
Entegris (Con’t. from p. 1)
of business?
ST: Entegris is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and supplier of products and materials used in the processing and manufacturing of electronics and other high-technology industries. For the photovoltaic industry, our products maintain the purity and integrity of critical materials used in the polysilicon and cell manufacturing processes. For other high-technology applications, our products and materials are used to manufacture semiconductors, flat panel displays, highpurity chemicals, photoresists, gas lasers, optical and magnetic storage devices, fiber optic cables, fuel cells and critical components for aerospace, glass manufacturing and biomedical applications. AEN: What would you say makes your company unique?
ST: Entegris is focused on bringing innovative material-enabled solutions allowing companies to be more productive and efficient. This is achieved by the combination of applications expertise, core technologies and meeting specific customer requirements for innovative solutions to manufacturing challenges. In particular, we have been able to apply this technical and design expertise in the development of point of use purification/filtration capabilities, and substrate handling solutions for high temperature and ambient operating conditions in the photovoltaic industry. AEN: What do you anticipate to be the DEHN (Con’t. from p. 1)
arrays, or combiner box components from the effects of lightning-caused surges and transients. Responding to this demand for application at these DC voltages, DEHN has developed and introduced a new technology and product specifically designed to function under the issues associated with these DC voltages. The new DEHNguard M YPV and PV-SCI Cooper Industries (Con’t. from p. 1)
RT: For more than 177 years, Cooper Industries has served as a brand leader and trusted provider of innovative and costefficient electrical solutions. Through our extensive commitment to new product development, operational excellence and unparalleled customer loyalty and service, we continue to provide our customers with a level of innovation and support that is unmatched by our competitors. In fact, Cooper’s experience in the electrical arena consists of a robust range of solar products, including standard and custom panel support systems, cable management, power management and enclosure solutions. Our history of innovation and expertise continues to set us apart from competitors as we provide quality products that meet the industry’s need for flexible, durable and long-lasting solar products.
AEN: Where is Cooper’s current product emphasis?
Alter native Energy News greatest challenges for the industry in the year ahead?
ST: Rapid industry growth is being influenced by a number of factors including the economy, the price of traditional energy and government programs. In general, the outlook is positive with the industry continuing to bridge the gap in energy cost—watt parity—with traditional energy and technology continuing to improve both the cell efficiencies and manufacturing costs. Entegris is contributing to the industry by providing yield-improvement solutions in the cell manufacturing processes via elimination of impurities. These impurities can poison cells and decrease solar conversion efficiencies. Utilizing high purity graphite and silicon carbide components for substrate handling, coupled with the purification of incoming process fluids, provides companies optimum processing environments to achieve maximum cell efficiencies.
ods which range from “implant” type techniques to traditional diffusion with subsequent lithographic steps. Entegris is working with leading original equipment manufacturers in optimizing these processes with our knowledge of contamination control. We are also working with cell manufacturers to bring production cell efficiencies closer to those obtained in research institutes through production-capable, high-purity material delivery solutions. These include the use of cell process carriers designed to provide uniform process conditions to the cell surface, implementation of contamination control for incoming process fluids, and optimization of fluid handling systems (gas and liquid) to ensure uniform and pure chemical delivery. AEN: Thin film-based photovoltaics are becoming more prevalent in the industry, is Entegris also active in this market segment?
silicon carbide or graphite are used for crucibles, chamber components or substrate fixtures. Entegris designs custom solutions for companies to address their specific application needs. Entegris POCO® graphite has the most uniform electrical properties in the industry and is available with a variety of coatings to improve chemical compatibility.
AEN: What new products is Entegris bringing to the photovoltaic market for the coming year?
ST: Entegris continues to expand offerings in key product solution areas, including substrate handling with cell shippers, carriers and process cassettes. Our full line of contamination-control solutions for both liquids and gas addresses the industry needs for contamination control in critical applications such as wet etch and clean, texturing and diffusion applications. This year we are releasing the new Savana™ filtration products for high-particle load applications, particularly applicable to thin film applications. These products remove particulate contamination while maintaining the chemical stoichiometry. We are also extending the flow range of our gas purification systems to meet needs above 5000 liters per minute, which is often required in ingot manufacturing. We are excited to engage with our customers in development of unique technologies for their particular applications throughout the photovoltaic supplier chain from polysilicon manufacturing to cell production.
ST: The industry continues to need increases in productivity and technical innovation to become more competitive with traditional energy sources. Silicon cell manufacturing companies are driving improved efficiencies through the adoption of new interface materials to the active conversion layers which seek to minimize current losses through various mechanisms. In particular, selective emitter technology is being implemented on a wider scale with a variety of meth-
ST: Yes, Entegris has and continues to work with leaders in the thin film-based photovoltaic market to enable them to address the specific challenges they face. In this segment, many of the cell manufacturers also produce their own equipment and rely on expertise from critical suppliers in overcoming manufacturing challenges. We have solutions which enable manufacturers to uniformly deliver critical active materials both in the liquid phase and in the gas phase to the substrates without the introduction of contaminates. This, in turn, improves cell efficiencies and in many cases “tool throughput.” Many of the process steps involve high temperatures where high performance materials such as
addresses those issues by incorporating a switched fused circuit in parallel to the MOV discharge circuit, permitting the disconnect to operate arc free. DEHN has recently expanded their initial product offering to now include a broader range of voltages and product configuration. These unique SPD products are now available for 150 V, 600 V, 1000 V and 1200 V applications and are configured in both a “Y” (three-pole) configuration for floating systems, and a
two-pole design for grounded systems. DEHN’s unique SPD are UL 1449 third edition compliant for the applicable rated DC voltage applications. In addition to this range of DC products specifically for PV applications, DEHN offers a complete range of SPDs for AC power applications as well as for signal, measurement and control, instrumentation and communications, including RF coaxial, Ethernet CAT 6. DEHN also offers technical services
including risk assessments and assistance with external lightning protection systems. DEHN has recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2010, serving the electrical industry in research, design, manufacture of products, and offering technical expertise and services to minimize the effects transients caused by lightning and other sources. For more information, please visit us at booth 7739, email info@dehn-usa.com or call 772-460-9315.
RT: For solar project installations, Cooper’s emphasis and expertise lies in the balance of system components. We currently offer a range of solar mounting, cable management, power management and circuit management and protection products. This includes a set of standard and custom engineered solutions for mounting solar PV panels in ground, commercial roof and open structure applications. Our combiner boxes provide the housing to combine and connect the conductors from several arrays or solar panels into one main bus or feed, with fuses designed specifically for the protection of solar panels and conductors. Solar kits help eliminate expensive utility power investments by providing reliable power in remote applications. We also provide the products and services to connect large, utility-grade solar photovoltaic energy system installations to the grid.
Envirotemp FR3 soy oil based dielectric fluid, are both environmentally friendly and provides the extended insulation life critical to the cycle duty in solar applications. A full line of molded rubber parts and substation products such as capacitors, arresters, relays and automation communication systems help ensure that the quality of the electricity generated by the solar installation meets grid interconnection requirements.
absorption compound built-in for protection against harmful UV rays. This provides long dependable service in the most demanding of environmental conditions.
AEN: How do you see the next year in terms of technology and product evolution for silicon cell manufacturing ?
Specially designed solar Generator StepUp [GSU] transformers, cooled with
AEN: How do Cooper’s solutions impact the customer?
RT: Cooper’s solar industry products are all designed to positively impact the customer. Our combined experience and innovation help us develop solutions that decrease overall installation and ongoing maintenance costs of solar systems. All products withstand harsh environmental conditions and comply with all necessary codes for maximum peace of mind. For instance, weatherproof enclosures have a special UV
For more information, visit us at booth 5723 or online at www.entegris.com.
AEN: Who are Cooper’s target end users?
RT: Solar systems are typically broken into four major categories: panels, inverters, balance of system and engineering/installation. Cooper’s products fall under the balance of system category. Our solutions are appropriate for commercial, industrial and utility applications. Electrical distributors and contractors, developers and facility owners and managers are the end users benefiting from the minimal maintenance requirements, ease of installation and long-term durability offered from Cooper products. For more information, visit Cooper Industries at booth 7722 and www.cooper industries.com or call 713-209-8400.
Alter native Enegy News Air Liquide (Con’t. from p. 1)
company. What’s your main line of business?
CR: Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment. Based out of Paris, France, we are present in 80 countries around the world and have more than 43,600 employees. 2010 annual sales revenue was €13.5 billion.
AEN: What would you say makes your company unique?
CR: Air Liquide is unique in the industry because of our ability to provide a full range of products and services, including turnkey project management for our customers. Our integrated offering of gases, chemicals, related application equipment Jetion Solar USA (Con’t. from p. 1)
over 20,000 square feet, the company will be the final point of assembly for Agrade PV solar modules ready for final installation. Along with assembly, the U.S. team will also warehouse, sell, deliver and service the company’s product line as it is brought to the marketplace. “We are very excited to introduce one of the world’s leading solar module manufacturers to the U.S. market,” says Juergen Fehr, president of Jetion Solar USA. He continues, “Timing is everyFlexLink (Con’t. from p. 4)
from machine to machine and reduces the total number of carriers. Due to the fragile nature of the materials being handled, and the potential risk of contamination to the material, TÜV Rheinland (Con’t. from p. 17)
to bring products to international markets, including IEC 61215, IEC 61646, IEC 61730, IEC 62108, ANSI/UL 1703, Angstrom Sciences (Con’t. from p. 17)
Recognizing that cathodes are just part of a broader system-based solution, Frank Zimone came on board in October of 2009. Frank previously ran operation/engineering for a Ferro (Con’t. from p. 20)
surface fields of N-type cells.
Next Generation Aluminum Technology In addition to the product pictured, Ferro has developed pastes for fire-through dielectric passivation layers, including aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and silicon nitride. Other next-gen Al products that have been developed include full coverage aluminum reflectors, low temperature silver for interconnects that are solderable on fired aluminum, and waterand plating-resistant compositions. Back Surface Cell Configurations In addition to the low-deposit silver
June 2011
along with engineering, construction, onsite operations management services and analytical services allow us to fully support the needs of our customers.
AEN: Describe your current customer support strategy.
CR: Our current strategy is to provide our customers with value-added, fully integrated process materials and services that allow them to scale up and grow their business through achieving their target efficiencies, lower their cost per watt, and increase their yield at all levels of scaling up in their process lines. AEN: What is the nature of your distribution?
trained, centralized logistics team managing product distribution out of our strategically positioned product manufacturing sites and stocking depots across the country. The distribution fleet runs routine or rush deliveries between these product sources and our customers. AEN: How do you handle sales?
CR: We handle sales through our PV Sales team managing a dedicated geographical region supported by the corporate marketing and business development teams. An experienced product management team assists the sales organization with strategic product sourcing and logistics for successful account development.
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CR: We attribute our success to our business philosophies based on four key pillars: (1) A partnership approach where we develop close, long-term relationships with our partners and customers; (2) Continued efforts to enlarge our offering by finding innovative and customized solutions, technologies, equipment and services that offer value to our customers; (3) R&D resources dedicated towards improving efficiency and lowering manufacturing costs; (4) A Global PV Team Approach that draws on the knowledge of the Air Liquide Group across the world, allowing us to support our customers’ local needs through a global and local presence.
CR: Our distribution is managed by a
AEN: To what do you attribute your company’s success?
For more information, please email Info.Electronics-US@airliquide.com, visit www.airliquide.com or stop by booth 9347.
thing. As this market’s need for renewable energy grows, we will be there to deliver one of the most efficient lines of modules in the market today.” Jetion Solar has been manufacturing solar modules since 2004. The company has been growing exponentially, with installations around the globe. Jetion Solar USA will have the full backing of the company’s world headquarters in China. “At Jetion Solar USA, we will work with our international team to bring solar solutions to the North American market now and
into the future,” says Fehr. He continues, “Everyone we’ve been in contact with tells us that we are doing everything right. Customer service will be the underlying theme in everything we do here.” The new office will have a team of experts in every phase of operation: manufacturing, sales and logistics. “We want to be the complete package for any installer, contractor or developer. When customers call, we will line them up with the right person with the necessary solution to get the job done,” says Fehr.
There couldn’t be a better time for Jetion Solar USA to open its doors than now. There will be continued pressure for renewables to play a crucial role to fulfill this country’s energy needs. Solar will play the biggest role. That’s Jetion Solar USA’s specialty. “We are eager to meet the challenges ahead of us,” says the company’s president. “We are even more eager to provide the solution.” For more information on Jetion Solar USA, please visit booth 8856 and www.jetionsolarus.com, email info@ jetionsolarus.com or call 704-944-1069.
Montrac is also a good solution for handling wafers and cells because of its cleanliness. It is a relatively clean product eligible to get into Class 1000 clean rooms. With modifications, Montrac can get into cleaner environments. Similar to traditional FlexLink
offerings, this system is modular and available to run overhead. Montrac is extremely simple and easy to assemble. Curves, straight track and intersections are all standard components that can be connected into almost any layout you might need for your application.
Shuttles run overhead using elevators to bring both up and down to free up valuable floor space. For more information, please call 877-266-2249, email info.us@flex link.com or visit booth 9311 to discuss any applications.
EN 12975., EN 12976, ENV 12977, ISO 9806, ISO 9459, SRCC Standard 100-08, SABS 1210, PowerMark, California Energy commission and others. TÜV Rheinland PTL employs more
than 40 experts working in a modern 40,000 square foot facility—the largest of its type in the world. The laboratory also performs many tests outdoors in a multi-acre secured location, taking
advantage of Arizona’s average of 325 days of sunshine per year. For more information, stop by booth 8962, visit www.tuvptl.com or call tollfree at 1-TUV-RHEINLAND.
nanotechnology start-up and was at Denton Vacuum for 17 years leading that organization’s efforts to grow into a world-wide systems supplier for thin film deposition tools. Frank brought a unique system-based approach to the company and a wealth of relevant
application engineering, technical leadership and project engineering skills. Leading a team of 37 highly skilled professionals, Mark, Rich and Frank have the ability to analyze each customer’s unique process-driven requirements
for deposition technology, and craft a specific solution that is robust, costeffective and delivered on time. This is truly the Angstrom AdvantageTM! For more information, visit Angstrom Sciences at booth 9217 and www.angstromsciences.com.
described above, Ferro’s new products include p-contacts with ideal diode quality, diffusion barriers, and screening/ jetting P and B diffusion materials.
Thin Film and Module Applications Ferro also has developed solderable polymer silver compositions with low contact resistance to TCOs, lead- and cadmiumfree low temperature sealing glass compostions, and anti-reflective coatings for flat glass that enhance light trapping. Ferro frequently collaborates with leading solar cell manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and research institutes to develop advanced materials. For more information, call 760-305-1000, email solarsolutions@ferro.com, visit www.ferro. com or stop by North Hall, booth 5529.
Nordson EFD (Con’t. from p. 20)
systems offer an extremely fast, accurate way to apply flux, conductive adhesives and other materials used in PV manufacturing processes, with cycle rates up to 150 dots per second and dot sizes as small as 0.5mm. • Dispensing-grade solder paste is an effective alternative to solder-coated copper ribbon during the stringing and tabbing process. Our flux-rich solder formulations provide superior wetting, for greater cell efficiency and reliability. • PerformusTM dispensers improve process control in manual production processes by making it simple for operators to apply material as accurate, consistent dots and uniform lines.
In 2009, we won the International Solar Cell Award for Best Technical Product for Photovoltaic Module Assembly in acknowledgement of our advances in stringing and tabbing and solder paste technology. With more than 40 years of dispensing experience and local support in 30 countries, Nordson EFD has the unique ability to support the integration and effective operation of our technology, regardless of global location.
For more information, please visit Nordson EFD at booth 5613 and www.nordsonefd.com, call 800-5563484 or 401-431-7002 and ask for Art Tausek to schedule an interview, or email info@nordsonefd.com.