Development of Automated Production Line Processes for Solar Brightfield Modules: Annual Technical Progress Report, 1 January 2003 -- 30 June 2004

Nowlan, M. J. ; Murach, J. M. ; Sutherland, S. F. ; Miller, D. C. ; Moore, S. B. ; Hogan, S. J.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Pv;    Solar Cells;    Progress Report;    Automation;    Glass;   

DOI  :  10.2172/15016397
RP-ID  :  NREL/SR-520-36608
RP-ID  :  AC36-99-GO10337
RP-ID  :  15016397

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

This report describes how Spire Corporation is addressing the PV Manufacturing R&D project goals of improving photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing processes and products while reducing costs and providing a technology foundation that supports significant manufacturing scale-up. To accomplish this, we are focusing our efforts on the design of a large-area utility-scale module and the development of the necessary manufacturing techniques and equipment to manufacture such a module in a high-volume production environment. A three-phase program is under way for developing and demonstrating new automated systems for fabricating very large PV modules ideal for use in multi-megawatt grid-connected applications. We designed a large-area 800 W module and we are developing associated module production equipment that will minimize the total installed system cost for utility-scale PV arrays. Unique features of the module design include a cantilevered glass superstrate to reduce the glass thickness a nd internally laminated bypass diodes that simplify internal busing and junction-box designs. Other program activities include the development of automation for solar cell string inspections, string busing, materials lay-up, and lamination; enhancements to the lamination process; and performance testing of large-area modules.