Basler’s In-Line Metrology Solutions Secure Premier Quality of Sunfilm Solar Modules

Ahrensburg, February 2, 2010 – Sunfilm has integrated three in-line Metrology solutions from Basler Vision Technologies into their Applied Materials™ SunFab™ Thin-Film Line for photovoltaic modules. Sunfilm not only inspects incoming glass, but also incorporated two further test steps in order to provide best-in-class products. In addition to the glass inspection, Sunfilm is using Basler’s Sensic inspection equipment to ensure highest quality of the semiconductor coatings on thin-film modules (CVD) as well as to ensure premier quality of the final product after the lamination process is finished. This 100% quality inspection before and after relevant processing stages goes beyond the approach of other PV module manufacturers and secures Sunfilm a decisive competitive edge.

Basler metrology solutions have been successfully used for the LCD inspection for the last 10 years and have been adapted and optimized to the thin-film industry.

All three Basler Sensic inspection systems are in-line-systems. They were installed and put into operation with minimal downtime, since Sunfilm’s SunFab line was operating in series production throughout the complete integration process.  The data exchange between the SunFab’s Factory Automation system and Basler’s metrology system is realized via the standard industry protocol SECS/GEM, which allows an online and in-time data exchange.

“Sunfilm is again demonstrating its technological edge and commitment to constant innovation and latest state-of-the-art process control with the implementation of this new generation of inspection tools, developed together with Basler”, says Dr. Wilhelm Stein, Chief Engineer at Sunfilm.

Sunfilm is the first Applied Materials customer using tandem junction thin-film silicon cell structure. This technology allows a larger part of the solar spectrum to be harvested as compared to amorphous silicon thin-film solar modules, leading to higher module efficiencies.

Following is a selection of Basler's Sensic Thin-Film Inspection Solutions:

Glass Inspection:

Glass inspection solutions from Basler are available for the inspection of incoming goods (TCO coated or uncoated) and monitor cleaning operations carried out in the course of production. The inspection solution is designed as a reliable means of detecting and classifying surface defects and impurities, with a special focus on secure detection of edge defects that could result in glass breakage and result in considerable downtime.

CVD Coating Inspection:

The CVD Coating Inspection is designed for quality control of semi-conductor coatings on thin-film modules, able to provide not only the number, but also the distribution of pinholes in the coating. Pinholes inside the photoactive layer impair the efficiency of solar cells by short-circuiting. Malfunctions or contamination during the coating process are detected as early as possible and thus provide the basis for further optimization during production. The same solution, but positioned downstream from laser structuring, allows you to run additional checks on quality of your cell structure.

Final Inspection:

Another inspection solution in Basler's Sensic Thin-Film Inspection family is the „Final Inspection“, designed for the inspection after the lamination process. The solution encompasses tests on the peripheral and photoactive areas for bubbles, scratches and delamination, and is able to check the presence and position of busbars. Lamination bubbles on the edge of solar modules can result in the penetration of moisture, which can have a direct detrimental influence on the quality and service life of modules.

Basler's Sensic Thin-Film Inspection Solutions help manufacturers in the solar thin-film industry to improve operations in the various steps of their production process, reduce module breakage rates and, consequently, improve the quality of their thin-film modules and lower the cost of manufacture. Low initial cost provides a rapid return on investment.

About Basler:

Basler designs and manufactures high-quality image-processing solutions, comprehensive systems for automatic optic-based quality assurance as well as digital cameras. Basler delivers into industrial, medical, and traffic system applications, and also into the video surveillance market.

Our image-processing solutions are backed by 20 years of expertise and experience in image processing, electronics, and optics, all geared to meet specific customer requirements and easily integrated into production processes or automation systems.

We have designed and manufactured high quality digital cameras for over ten years. Product designs are driven by industry requirements and offer easy interfacing, compact size, and a strong price/performance ratio.

We will be glad to give you any further information you may require. Please contact us by phone +49 4102 463-350 or click here.

About Sunfilm:

Sunfilm AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of silicon-based thin-film modules with a combined capacity of ~85 megawatts peak (MWp) at its two German production sites in Grossroehrsdorf and Bitterfeld/Wolfen. The company has an additional 60 MWp of capacity under construction as well. Thin-film is one of the fastest growing segments of the solar PV industry. Sunfilm’s innovative technology for tandem junction thin-film silicon solar modules allows a larger part of the solar spectrum to be harvested, leading to higher module efficiencies. Additionally, the amount of silicon needed to produce these modules is significantly less than for silicon wafer based technologies. Sunfilm AG is headquartered in Grossroehrsdorf and employs about 400 people. www.sunfilm.com

Basler Press Contact:
Anke Wübbelmann – Head of Market Communications
Tel. +49 4102 - 463 511
Fax: +49 4102 - 463 46511

Basler AG
An der Strusbek 60 – 62
22926 Ahrensburg
Germany

Sunfilm Press Contact:
Manuela Hähnel – Marketing Assistant

Tel. +49 35952 280-1204
Fax +49 35952 280-1071

Sunfilm AG
Sunfilmstr. 8
01900 Großröhrsdorf
Germany