Conergy increases cell efficiency

FRANKFURT (ODER), GERMANY: With its new production installations for solar cells, Conergy will be able to increase the efficiency of its PowerPlus modules in the Frankfurt (Oder) factory and further expand its manufacturing capacities at the same time.

Specialists are in the process of integrating the machines into the existing production facilities. Once installed, the so-called "OneStep Selective Emitter" technology will enable increases in efficiency of up to 0.5 percentage points. The modern equipment is provided by Manz Automation AG, Reutlingen.

Conergy is one of the first users worldwide – and it will be one of the first companies in the world to use the pioneering technology in its mass production. The company is investing some five million euros for this purpose.

Looking ahead to the technology of tomorrow
Mathias Kamolz, factory manager and technical director of the solar factory, said: "Our factory in Frankfurt (Oder) is one of the most modern solar factories of the world. But we don't want to rest on our laurels. That's why we are already looking ahead to the technologies of tomorrow – and using them in our production facilities. That way, we increase our cell efficiency, minimise scrap and increase output. A genuine technological leap for us."

Production carries on despite construction works
Cranes are currently lifting the individual machines onto the second floor of the solar factory. Technicians will then install the machines on a 40-metre section between two existing cell production lines. To make sure that it can take the new, 50-ton equipment, Conergy is reinforcing the raised floor with concrete foundations in the cell area.

Over the next few weeks, engineers will connect the heavy machines up on the production floor and then put the installations into operation step by step.

Kamolz said: "Despite the construction works, the existing four cell lines are running at full speed. By the end of the year, we shall be able to manufacture even more efficient cells with the new technology, producing solar modules of considerably higher performance classes."