Meyer Burger Technology is holding its Technology Day 2017 at its technology and production site in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, today. The primary focus of the event is on Meyer Burger’s PV cell technologies with participants enjoying a tour through production including the company’s Heterojunction production line and MB PERC technology assembly.
SolarTech Universal modules use Meyer Burger’s SmartWire technology
One of the main themes at the Technology Day 2017 is Meyer Burger’s focus on innovation and the leading role its technologies have played in shaping the PV industry. A highlight of the visit will be the premier of the champion 334.9-watt module as precisely measured and confirmed by TÜV Rheinland – Solar Energy Assessment Center Cologne (SEACC) and based on Heterojunction (HJT) cell technology and SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT). The HJT solar cells in the 60-cell glass/white backsheet module were processed on an industrial manufacturing line operating at Meyer Burger (Germany) in Hohenstein-Ernstthal. The results underscore the transfer of recent successful R&D progress. The HJT cells used for the 335 Watt module had an average busbar-less efficiency of 23.5% using commercially available 6-inch (M2) n-type wafers. The best cell achieved a busbar-less efficiency of 24.02% based on a Fraunhofer ISE certified measurement calibration.
The production line uses Meyer Burger’s fully industrialized HELiA PECVD and PVD process equipment using only six process steps. Dr Gunter Erfurt, Chief Technology Officer at Meyer Burger, commented: “Our production line, which is continuously operated at 25 MW in two-shift mode, is unique for an equipment manufacturer and key to achieve and prove a high level of industrialization. Today with our cost-competitive Meyer Burger HJT and SWCT technologies, we continuously achieve an average of 320 Watt with best modules above 330 Watt. As proud as we are of this milestone, the 335-watt champion module is just another step in advancing our ambitious HJT / SWCT technology and industrialization roadmap.”
Furthermore the company confirms that the strong momentum in incoming orders that it experienced during the first half of 2017 has been ongoing. In the period from January to October 2017, total incoming orders have increased by 26% compared to the same period of last year and reached CHF 503 million.
News item from Meyer Burger
I think the commodity priced 400W panel will come along before the 500W panel. The 500W panel in 1.7sqm format will have to be multi layer and multi layer needs stability – solar panels need to last 40 years ideally.
I am very anxiously awaiting 500W panels along with Colouring Capability which does not detract from the absorption of energy. Once these two milestones are achieved I believe it will be a Watershed Moment in the Solar Industry and public adoption will increase.