2012 AWARD Winners - PV Production Technologies

Isra Surface Vision GmbH - In-line multispectral dual photo-luminescence inspection system

Solar cells must be capable of meeting the most stringent demands, while functioning fault-free. The multispectral photoluminescence inspection system Multispectral Dual by Isra Surface Vision GmbH, Herten, Germany is able to test this while solar cells are actually being produced. The innovative error detection technology developed by the company, which specializes in optical measuring techniques, uses various filters to analyze two spectra.
The levels of resistance are measured quickly and contact-free. The system is capable of being used inline and includes a classification system for different types of defect. The analysis speed and high precision with which the errors are detected stood out to the jury as being particularly innovative.

Schott Solar AG, Gebr. Schmid GmbH - TinPad

In collaboration with Schott Solar AG, Mainz, Germany, Gebr. Schmid GmbH, Freudenstadt, Germany, has developed a new metallization process, TinPad, which entirely foregoes the need for busbars made from expensive silver when constructing rear side contacts on the solar cells. Until now these were needed to attach the soldering strips directly onto the aluminum rear sides.
The technology removes the inconvenient oxide film from the aluminum rear sides, and instead coats them with tin. The winning factor was primarily the cost efficiency in terms of raw materials and the reduction of steps needed for cell production.

Pasan SA - SpotLIGHT 1sec

Pasan SA, Neuchâtel, Switzerland has developed a solar cell tester, SpotLIGHT 1sec, which is distinguished by its ability to take measurements at very high speeds as precisely as possible. Its extremely low costs should play a part in achieving grid parity in the future.
The jury praised the patented contact system for its short standstill time, ease of maintenance and cycle time of one second. Further advantages include its maintenance-friendly design, extremely long service life and the way in which it attaches to the solar cells without causing them any damage.

Decker Anlagenbau GmbH - silicon granule Recycling

When it comes to generating renewable energy, a sustainable value added chain is also required for the technologies and products used in the process. Decker Anlagenbau GmbH, Berching, has turned its full attention to this topic. The company specializes in wet chemical systems for the photovoltaic, semiconductor and metal-processing industries. Now, for the first time, it has succeeded in recycling fine silicon remnants by putting chemicals to the best possible use. To do this, Decker Anlagenbau developed an extremely sophisticated solution that is suited to grain sizes of up to 0.1 mm. The jury was impressed by the new silicon recycling possibilities that this could yield.

Manz Automation AG - Manz One Step SE

Manz Automation AG, Reutlingen, is an internationally active mechanical engineering company. In its new production system, the “Manz One Step SE”, the company has succeeded in developing a fully automated production plant. Using a laser-based process, it generates heavily doped emitters in crystalline silicon solar cells with the utmost precision. This gives the solar cells the desired electrical conductivity. The jury believed the solution to be particularly efficient and cost-effective, for which reason the company was presented with the Intersolar AWARD.

NanoFocus AG - µsurf solar 2

NanoFocus AG, Oberhausen, develops technological solutions for optical, three-dimensional surface analysis at micrometer and nanometer scales. In designing the new “µsurf solar 2” measurement system, the company focused on quality and process control in the manufacture of solar cells. According to the jury, the new system enables clear improvements to be made in production quality control with respect to speed, handling and reliability, and all with ultimate precision.