High Throughput Automated PV Cell/Module Manufacturing Plant

Y. Maeda; S. Yagihashi; T. Tahara; N. Kodama; K. Katano; K. Kamata; K. Oura

doi:10.1117/12.937231

20 November 1986 High Throughput Automated PV Cell/Module Manufacturing Plant

Y. Maeda, S. Yagihashi, T. Tahara, N. Kodama, K. Katano, K. Kamata, K. Oura

Proceedings Volume 0706, Photovoltaics for Commercial Solar Power Applications; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.937231
Event: Cambridge Symposium-Fiber/LASE '86, 1986, Cambridge, MA, United States

Abstract

A high-throughput full-automated photovoltaic cell/module manufacturing plant has been constructed in Chitose, Japan. The production line consists of a solar cell fabrication line and a module assembly line, both controlled by computer. In the cell line, cells are transferred by conveyor during the fabrication processes such as formation of PN and BSF junction by ion-implantation, lamp anneal, metallization and quality checks except for wet processes which include chemical etching. In the module line, two free-flow conveyors are used for sequence assembly of the modules. For tab connection and cell arrangement, robots are used. Modules are assembled with super-straight type lamination and framing processes, and then stocked in the stocker with final electrical checks including high voltage. The plant is completely operated by computer control. Sequencers set at each equipment in the process are controlled by four medium computers, followed by overall central computer control. Using the situation data in each equipment, the plant condition is strictly controlled on real time. The plant is entirely under the control of two operators at the factory central control desk.

Citation Download Citation

Y. Maeda, S. Yagihashi, T. Tahara, N. Kodama, K. Katano, K. Kamata, and K. Oura "High Throughput Automated PV Cell/Module Manufacturing Plant", Proc. SPIE 0706, Photovoltaics for Commercial Solar Power Applications, (20 November 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.937231

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