The InnoLas ILS TT laser processing system is designed to execute a variety of laser processing techniques such as Selective Emitter, Contact Opening, Junction Isolation, LFC, EWT and MWT to achieve improved cell efficiencies. A system for production scale manufacturing as well as pilot line research and development, the system is equipped with a high speed turntable and custom tooling to fit specific processing steps.
STMicroelectronics has released details of a patented high-efficiency circuit and dedicated optimized power components. ST’s new design, called BC2 (Back-Current Circuit) is claimed to produce cost savings while helping designers comply with the highest power-efficiency standards. The new circuit and power components are ideally suited for boost or buck converters, which are power devices that are usually used in solar inverters.
DuPont Performance Polymers has tailored its portfolio of thermoplastic materials and design knowledge to the needs of the photovoltaic industry, including the CPV and CSP sector. DuPont has developed two specific grades of ‘DuPont Rynite’ polyethylene terephtalate (PET) that are claimed to reduce the total cost of manufacturing, assembling and installing photovoltaic systems.
Product Briefing Outline: ACI-ecotec GmbH & Co. KG has developed a new inline wafer separation system suitable for separating mono- and polycrystalline wafers in all common formats with thicknesses of up to 120 µm. The new ecoSplit IXL has an output capacity of at least 3000 wafers per hour, and the especially gentle, patented separation technology makes it possible to reduce breakage rates to a low as 0.1%.
Product Briefing Outline: 3M has introduced its Ultra Barrier Solar Film for flexible thin-film technologies into volume manufacturing. The product is the result of more than a decade of development in transparent barrier technology, having the potential to drastically reduce the total system costs for rooftop solar installations. The film's unique module form factor also offers an array of niche applications.
Product Briefing Outline: STMicroelectronics has introduced the SPV1001, which replaces the simple bypass diode with an intelligent device that enhances efficiency and offers the same package outline. The new device can deliver a fast Return-On-Investment, in terms of releasing additional energy for solar panel applications.
Product Briefing Outline: Dow Chemical has launched it ‘Enlight’ polyolefin encapsulant films, which are claimed to enhance efficiencies in PV module production and lead to lower conversion costs. The films also can provide greater module stability and improved electrical performance versus traditional encapsulants, such as EVA-based products, which improves the reliability and extends the service life of PV modules. The new encapsulant films are suitable for c-Si and thin-film modules.
Product Briefing Outline: Control Techniques has launched a ‘transformerless’ central inverter system for utility scale photovoltaic power plants that is designed to maximize investor returns through optimized availability, efficiency and yield. Control Techniques’ SPV is constructed using 145kWp, 176kWp and multiple 176kWp parallel connected inverter modules to produce any desired power rating up to 1760kWp and employs a second generation Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Over the last 2 years Control Techniques inverters have been installed in over 80 large scale PV power plants with a combined power of 150MW. Confirmed orders for over 330MW have been received.
Product Briefing Outline: Umicore Precious Metals Refining has introduced a CIGS production scrap recycling service with an initial capacity of 50Mt per annum. This new service allows the recycling of production waste (e.g. chamber residues) generated by CIGS solar cell producers, and valorizes copper, indium, gallium and selenium.
