SOLARAWARDS2011 WINNERS
product training themselves. Working with a range of manufacturers covering different types of technology, we are playing a role in giving installers a holistic overview of the industry. We have carefully selected our suppliers based on quality and performance, so we believe that this initiative will play its role in delivering quality to the industry.
Noteworthy: We are operating in the field of microgeneration. The vast majority of installation outfits are small local companies who do more than just install. These companies are responsible for marketing their services, advising customers on technology/options and selling solar into the mass market. As a result, they shoulder a great responsibility for ensuring the process is carried out professionally and correctly. If not, they will taint the industry and paint a negative picture in the minds of the general public. Our training school therefore plays a role in delivering education and knowledge to the installer, so they in turn can do so in their role of speaking to the general public - outcome is a better quality industry for all concerned.
Customer Benefits: A key intention of our training is to openly share knowledge and information to create a better quality industry. As it is the installer who markets their services to homeowners, advises homeowners about technology and ultimately sells/installs a solar system, by improving quality in the industry, we are benefiting customers (homeowners) from having a better installed and better performing solar system.
Note from the Judges: Solar and PV technologies have specifically being developed to provide renewable energy sources and despite the noble desires must make its way through the fiscal barriers common to any newcomers trying to move in on incumbent technologies. Creating a positive consumer, political and public awareness of the industry will be as key for continued growth as technology development. In recent years the business needs of different segments of the solar and PV has seen a confusion of information and messages creating uncertainty at a time when embracing renewable solutions would seem more appropriate.
Achieving such goals does not require a grand industry statement or action but incremental changes throughout the industry based on a mutual goal of improving quality, service and ultimately ensuring the growing industry develops increasing awareness and acceptance throughout the communities that will benefit.
The winning entry in this category has chosen to tackle this issue by ensuring the installers in their region are not just qualified to complete tasks but are actively informed about the technology and industry possibilities. The company has invested into the project so it is free for attendees demonstrating their commitment to longer term industry goals. Focusing on installers of microgenerated PV the company improves the overall industry in the region.
24
www.solar-pv-management.com I Issue IX 2011
PV Tool Award
Eclipse
DEK Solar is the global provider of screen printing equipment and processes for fuel cell and solar cell manufacture. The Eclipse platform is a very high throughput complete metallization solution for commercial solar cell production.
Challenge: Given the growing importance of solar as an alternative energy source, manufacturers around the world are facing a demand to supply silicon solar cells in abundance. They need to maximise utilisation, yield and productivity whilst also achieving a low total cost of ownership. Additionally, as market demand continues to fluctuate, manufacturers need to be available to scale production as necessary. New processes that reduce shadowing of the cell surface boost cell efficiency, and these demand special applications capability and absolute print precision. Eclipse helps to address each of these challenges.
Problem Solved: Fully modular & configurable metallization line allow manufacturers to scale production from 1200 to 3600 wafers per hour, as demand dictates Parallel print head processing options maximise productive uptime Integrated vision inspection for ultimate process and quality control Fast yet sensitive handling; high speed, zero edge contact for negligible breakage rates Multiple conveying, flipping, buffering & stacking options Superior positional accuracy for high yield precision Industry-leading repeatability for Print on Print applications; capability (PoP) - +/- 12.5 microns at 2 Cpk Selective Emitter Accuracy - +/- 12.5 microns at 2 Cpk Multi-language intuitive GUI control industry-leading delivery times backed up by worldwide service teams and 24/7 spare parts availability
Noteworthy: Eclipses primary advantage lies in an unprecedented and highly flexible modular design concept. Featuring a series of field-retrofittable process modules, Eclipse enables manufacturers to easily scale production to 1200, 2400 or 3600 wph as demand dictates. Furthermore, for manufacturers who foresee a production ramp, the
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48