PES Solar 2 2018

ASK THE EXPERTSDC-DC converters for utility-scale solar storage is less expensive and more efficient battery to grid).plus storage with installations with two of than AC-coupled storage. DC-coupledthe United States largest IPPs. storage eliminates the need for several DC-coupled solar plus storage also allows costly pieces of equipment including the installation owner to harvest moreCustomers come to us for our technical transformers and switchgear. For example, energy from their installation throughcapabilities and our flexible scope ranging in a 20MW installation that we recently clipping recapture and low voltagefrom inverters to integrated systems. These modelled for a customer the DC-coupled harvest. Both of these value streams cancustomers value our expertise, bankability, solution saved them over a million dollars in only be achieved through DC-coupledresponsiveness, and flexibility installation costs compared to an AC- solar plus storage. coupled approach. These are significantAs solar plus storage continues to grow, we savings that only can be achieved through By adding storage to a utility-scalerecognize the need for reliable technologies the DC-coupled solution. In the United installation, PV energy can be turned into athat enable cost effective pairing of solar States, DC-coupled utility scale solar plus dispatchable asset to be deployed whenwith battery energy storage. That storage systems are eligible for valuable most valuable to the owner — a tremendousrecognition led to our much-heralded ITC tax incentives making the economics financial opportunity for the installationDC-DC converters which we were able to even more compelling to owners. owner over the lifetime of the installation.take from concept to reality in a very shortperiod of time. When you examine the lifetime of the Dynapower has done many AC-coupled installation, the financial implications of solar plus storage installations. We realizeTo date, we’ve deployed our UL listed DC coupled storage are significant as well. that DC-coupled solar plus storage is notDC-DC converters in solar plus storage The DC-coupled solution is more efficient always the optimal approach for couplingapplications and recently launched an OEM than AC-coupled solar plus storage — storage with utility-scale solar. That is whypartner program. The OEM partner program 89.2% compared to 86.2% (for PV to we’ve developed a solar plus storagegives central inverter manufacturers calculator that allows Dynapower engineersimmediate access to Dynapower’spatent-pending DC coupling technology.Dynapower is particularly proud to be at theforefront of driving solar plus storageinnovation. Our view is solar plus storage isof tremendous value to our customers aswell as the growth of our business.PES: We have been hearing a lot recentlyconcerning DC-DC converters and wouldlike to know more. How do they differfrom previous models and what are thebenefits to the customer/end user?CP: Dynapower deployed our first-generation DC-DC converter as part of asolar plus storage installation several yearsago at an island resort. We took learningsfrom that project as well as those fromseveral hybrid solar plus storage projectsDynapower designed and built to developour DPS line of DC-DC converters. Sinceour first DPS was deployed as part of autility-scale solar plus storage project inlate 2017, the response has beentremendous. The industry really recognizesthe economic advantages that DC-coupledsolar plus storage presents.Customers use Dynapower’s DC convertersto increase PV energy generation, andrevenue, of utility-scale installations whilealso reducing the cost to couple energystorage alongside solar. In the UnitedStates DC-coupled solar plus storagesystems are also eligible for significant taxincentives that deepen the economicbenefits of DC-coupled solar plus storage.The National Renewable Energy Lab in theUnited States recently released a reportshowing the DC-coupled approach is themost economically advantageous for solarplus storage.PES: Are there any financial implicationseither short term or in the long run?CP: There are several financial implications.In the short term, DC-coupled solar plus www.pessolar.com 51

ASK THE EXPERTSto take several inputs from the developer as important to you? economics will outpace standalone solar.and model the topology which would be We think there is a strong recognition for thisfinancially best for their installation. We’ve CP: We don’t currently have products for future by the solar industry. Now it is ahad developers who have created their own residential storage. Dynapower’s focus has function of the correct technical solutions.modelling tools and compared their results been on utility scale and commercial and That is why we’ve built tools for developersto ours. They’ve found the results to be industrial solar plus storage. In addition to to not only size their solar installations foralmost identical which is pretty cool. This is utility-scale solar plus storage, we see energy storage, but to help them choose thea free service we offer to any developer tremendous opportunity for commercial most financially advantageous option be itexploring adding energy storage to their and industrial facilities to benefit from solar AC or DC-coupled.existing or new utility-scale PV installations. plus storage. With the addition of solar plus storage, businesses can not only reduce PES: With the ever-growing importancePES: We know you have been developing their electricity costs but ensure they have of HSE in the work place, what measuresDC-coupled, utility scale solar plus critical backup power for when the grid or systems have you put in place tostorage, who uses this type of storage goes down. Power outages costs ensure the safety of the workers?ad what are the advantages? businesses tens of billions each year in losses from lost productivity to spoiled CP: Safety and quality go above all, the twoCP: We find DC-coupled solar plus storage goods. This can be avoided with the go hand in hand. Our employees receiveto be most advantageous for utility scale addition of solar plus storage to commercial extensive safety and workplace training tosolar projects from 1,000 kW and larger. and industrial facilities. keep them safe, happy, and productive.Given the large install base of utility-scale Additionally we ensure that our productssolar worldwide we specifically designed PES: Customization seems to be a trend are designed and tested to exceed theour DPS line to be applicable for both in our industry, how do you as a latest safety requirements.retrofits and new installations. We see our company respond to his?DPS converters as an opportunity for solar PES: Where do you operate and wheredevelopers and utilities to align solar energy CP: Customers have been coming to are your key markets and are there aresupply with load demand. Having the ability Dynapower for decades for custom power any areas, geographically speaking, thatto dispatch the PV will increase revenue for conversion solutions. We are very well you would like to work in?project owners. versed in providing custom solutions. Dynapower will always work to serve this CP: Headquarters in South Burlington, VTA great example of this was this summer need, however, we see a tremendous is our primary manufacturing andwhen Green Mountain Power used the opportunity to standardize solar plus storage development facility. We also have R&D andfacility we designed and built with them in particularly in utility scale applications. In service facilities in Union City, California asRutland, Vermont to save their ratepayers standardizing, as an industry we can reduce well as global contract manufacturing. Ourover $500,000 by anticipating the summers the costs of solar plus storage, ramp up footprint is global. We’ve been fortunate topeak demand and augmenting that need clean energy production, and rapidly deploy energy storage in over a dozenwith stored battery energy. We’ve also heard increase deployments. companies on virtually every continentfrom several large solar developers including including Antarctica. Our focus willLightsource that most if not all of their PES: Solar storage is an issue which has continue to be global with a heavyinstallations moving forward will contain garnered more and more importance emphasis on the Americas.energy storage. The economics of DC- each year for a while now. Do you seecoupled solar plus storage are compelling any reason for this trend to slow down PES: With so much competition in thefor larger developers in particular — which is any time soon? market what makes Dynapower standparticularly exciting to us having pioneered out from the competition?bringing this to the market. CP: Not at all. We only see solar plus storage ramping up based upon our sales CP: Our technology, reliability, andPES: Would you say that Dynapower’s pipeline and the clear economic advantages bankability. As a fifty-five-year-oldmain focus is residential or larger scale of solar plus storage. NREL agrees. Their company with a complete product offering,utility products or are they both equally report says by 2020 that solar plus storage 24x7 technical support, and diverse business portfolio that includes over 425MWs of energy storage deployed worldwide, we not only have the proven energy storage experience our customers can rely on, they know we will be there every step of the way from installation design to service for years to come. PES: Looking to the rest of 2018 and beyond, what trends and/or changes are you anticipating in the market and why? CP: Given our conversations with solar developers, Dynpower feels strongly that you’ll see an acceleration of the deployment of solar plus storage worldwide. You’ll see more markets opening up and the value streams deepening for solar plus storage. This is an exciting time for everyone in renewable energy, and Dynapower is particularly proud to be pioneering technology that makes the economics of solar plus storage more attractive to more and more solar developers and owners. www.dynapower.com52 PES Solar

DC-Coupled solar plus storage >425MWsINCREAse pV of energy storage inverters,revenues DC converters and energy storage systems installed worldwide.Adding energy storage to a new or existing utility-scales- olar installation with a Dynapower DC-DC converter can Parallelableincrease PV energy production through clipping recaptureand low voltage harvest. Further adding to your bottom 250kW to 3MWline, DC-coupled solar plus storage has a higher efficiencyt-han AC-coupled storage and is eligible in the US forvaluable tax incentives for installation owners.To learn more about how Dynapower’s UL-1741 listedline of DC-DC converters can increase project revenuesand lower the installation costs of utility-scale solar plusstorage, please visit our website below to download thewhite paper and view our pre-recorded webinar.To speak with a sales engineer today about modelingyour existing or new utility-scale PV installation forenergy storage, please email [email protected] us at Solar Power International booth 4145to learn more. SAMPLE 20MW PV INSTALLATION Annual Lost Production: WITHOUT DC-COUPLED STORAGE 1 , 9 2 3k,W2 h5 6 k W s 275,000 249,548 225,000 231,174 231,046 175,000Clipped PV Production kWh/Month 176,789 203,916 183,129 160,919 125,000 121,861 117,948 90,625 83,252 73,047 75,000 25,000 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Inverter Loading Ratio = 1.45WWW.DYNAPOWER.COM/DC-DC

13th (2019) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference See You in 2019Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association / Shanghai New Energy Industry AssociationShow Management: Follow Me Int'l Exhibition (Shanghai), Inc.Add：Room 902, Building No. 1, 2020 West Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200235, ChinaTel：+86-21-33561099 / 33561095 / 33561096 Fax：+86-21-33561089For exhibition: [email protected] For conference: [email protected]

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TALKING POINTA vibrant future inthe recycling worldThe importance of recycling in the solar/PV industry is The range at FRESITEC includes all kinds ofglobally recognized. PES has followed LOSER CHEMIE for a high-tech equipment for mechanical andlong time. This new joint venture takes them nearer the goal chemical processing of silicon. Fourof 100% reuse of the discarded products and materials and recrystallization furnaces of the latestalso provides support to the industry in various other ways. generation (Fig. 2), which can cast ingots in sizes from 20kg - 960kg.Whether or not this story shall ultimately go company has 20 years’ experience indown in the economic history of Freiberg/ reworking, upgrading und recovering The furnaces are suitable for the followingGermany as a success story is not yet silicon in many forms and formats. Fresitec processes:clear. For this, the young company can take the silicon produced from theFRESITEC (Fig.1), a 100% sister of LOSER recycling process as feedstock. • P roduction of ingots for solar andCHEMIE, is still too young, only time will non-solar applications; recrystallization oftell. They are both 100% daughters of the Their portfolio includes mechanical and silicon; purification of material; substratenewly established L´FFICIENCY Holding. chemical processes as well as innovative for sputtering targets crystallization techniques. The businessFresitec has set itself the goal of processes started in November 2017 and • P roduction of dopant alloys (n-type andcontinuing and expanding the recycling now the L´FFICIENCY Holding group is very p-type); material certification for siliconactivities of the SolarWorld at the former well positioned along the value chain. This manufacturers; custom ingots for researchsite, in Freiberg in Saxony, Germany. The February the first silicon ingot was produced. purposes; directional solidification for purifying silicon in ingot sizes from 20kg –Fig.1. View of a production hall of the FRESITEC GmbH in Freiberg / Saxony 960kg; purity analysis and quality control of silicon targets and bricks through infrared (IR) and (MDP) carrier lifetime imaging, including detection of cracks, inclusions and impurities FRESITEC GmbH uses various fully and partially automated etching tools, which are capable of chemically cleaning material of various shapes and sizes. The close collaboration with LOSER CHEMIE enables good synergies in the value added from recycling silicon based photovoltaic modules. The key is the innovative recycling technology of LOSER CHEMIE. Contrary to conventional technologies, like shreddering, LOSER CHEMIE doesn’t break the glass. When processing end-of-life PV modules, grainy silicon is produced next to high-purity glass. This silicon can be considered as a secondary raw material, if the remains of the metallic contacts are successfully removed. To clean the silicon grains LOSER CHEMIE uses alkane sulfonic acids, which in every case, can extract all contacts in a very short reaction time. This hydrometallurgical56 PES Solar

Greening theSolar IndustryChemie Freiberger Recycling und Silicium Technologie GmbH FRESITEC A company of LFFICIENCY Holding Greening the Solar Industry with PV-Recycling We have the technology and we build the plant Pictures: Loser Chemie GmbH, andreas160578, rawpixel under Creative Commons Licence CC0 We can treat thin film and Si-based End-of-Life PV Proven history of successful waste managementMeet us 24 - 28 September 2018 Our Sessions: Brussels Meeting Centre 5CV.3.71 - Study about Silicon Material - Received from EOL-PV Waste and Intended as Secondary Raw Material EU PVSEC 5CV.3.72 - Earth First! Greening the PV Industry with an Universal European PV Solar Energy PV-Module Recycling Concept! Conference and Exhibition 5CV.3.73 - Indium, Silicon and Silver from PV Waste for New Photovoltaics and Other Applications - News from CABRISS (EU Collaborative Project)Loser Chemie GmbH  [email protected]  www.loserchemie.de/en   +49 37208 88788-0 FRESITEC GmbH  [email protected]  www.fresitec.com   +49 3731 41937-40 Loser Chemie GmbH and FRESITEC GmbH are companys of LFFICIENCY Holding

TALKING POINTFig. 2. Furnace hall of FRESITEC GmbH Fig 3. Pre-cleaned silicon grains from End-of-Life silicon photovoltaic waste, produced by LOSER CHEMIE.extraction operates at room temperature separate batch runs in existing general and silicon. That´s why FRESITEC GmbHand the used alkane sulfonic acid is readily recycling plants for flat glass. and LOSER CHEMIE GmbH work togetherbiodegradable (OECD 301 A). As a result, Essentially, the main components glass, in the field of the recovery of silicon frompure silicon - with dopants - is obtained aluminum and copper are recovered here end-of-life Si-photovoltaic modules. The(see Fig. 3). Of course, the material still for c-Si PV modules, whereby the two companies see the potential of thiscontains doping elements. cumulative recycling rate amounts to silicon as secondary raw material. The goal approx. 85% of the total mass of the is to reuse this secondary raw material inFinally, the modern etching systems of photovoltaic modules (IEA-PVPS Report silicon smelting processes because thisFRESITECH GmbH are needed for further Number: T12-06:2016, page 14). fine material is very well suited to fillingcleaning. This special chemical surface However, no attention is paid to the gaps between larger pieces in the crucible.treatment and cleaning of silicon materials materials from the silicon cells, which mayis used across the entire photovoltaic value contain, depending on the applied www.loserchemie.dechain: from coarse material to fine silicon technology, silver, aluminum, indium, tin(from 50 μm!). www.fresitec.de Fig. 4. Etching line of FRESITEC GmbHFigure 4 shows the automated etching www.lfficiency.deequipment that chemically treat materials ofvarying sizes and morphologies. Thesurface cleaning or removing layers can bedone both in batch processes orcontinuously operating lines.FRESITEC GmbH has its own analyticallaboratory and is therefore capable ofoffering extensive analytical techniques forphotovoltaic and non-solar purposes. Forexample, FRESITEC GmbH can assist thecustomers by carrying out thoroughincoming and/or outgoing goods inspection.At the moment, we offer trace metalanalysis in silicon via glow discharge massspectrometry (GDMS), comprehensivedetection of all silicon dopant elements,automatic determination of conductivitytype in semiconductors.Today, recycling and material recovery arepreferable to disposal. Currently, older PVsystems are reaching the finaldecommissioning stage. According to thestate of the art, the nascent PV recyclingindustry usually treats PV modules in58 PES Solar

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TALKING POINT Dispensing and filling of chemicals: a simple way to ensure better protection and more efficient processes with closed systems The fundamental standards for manufacturing semiconductors and solar cells are as concise as they are clear – they demand absolute protection of people and the environment against chemicals, while simultaneously protecting ultrapure chemicals from contamination. Lately of course, the requirement for highly efficient processes has been added.60 PES Solar

TALKING POINT The QC-System: many ideas for The conductive QC components are also made maximum safety entirely of plastic, which means they are ideal for integration in explosion-proof distribution systems The QC-System undergoes continuous for solvents. further development and improvement to meet the constantly increasing safety Suitable for use with robots standards in the solar and semiconductor industry, often in direct cooperation with Handling of chemicals will also be part of the customers. fully automated processes in the semiconductor production of the future. It is hardly surprising that so many technical innovations are unique on the market. The objective in this is always the same: not only to obtain an ultrapure product in absolutely safe conditions, without contamination or dripping, but also to transport it quickly from A to B. Fill heads with limit switches Among the highlights of the QC-System with regard to safety are the fill heads with integrated limit switches, whose strengths can be applied most effectively when filling and during recirculation of hydrofluoric acid or corrosive mixtures as one, of the examples. Fully automated connection of the dispense/fill- ing heads by robots.It is surprising that still little is known about Integrated limit switches prevent the pumping pro- The QC-System is already designed for usehow this can be achieved simply and cess from starting if the filling head is not correctly with robots, the product details andeconomically by using modern dispensing or completely connected. materials are adapted for modernsystems. And in addition, there is potential automation processes. Together with newlyfor substantial savings during the various Regardless of whether the process involves developed RFID solutions, the entireprocess steps. dispensing acid or returning it after use, the chemical and container management limit switch in the head or in the shut-off operation is raised to a totally new level.Dispensing chemicals more quickly, valve reliably prevents the pumping processmore safely and more efficiently from being started until the filling head has No more overfilling been correctly connected to the container.There are very good reasons why the The overfilling protection facility of theQC-System, produced by AS, has emerged A signal transmitter also provides an optical QC-System prevents unintentional andover decades as one of the leading display indicating whether a secure hazardous overfilling of containers. Adispensing systems worldwide for ultrapure connection exists. Only the QC-System specially developed sensor in the fillingand aggressive chemicals. Customers offers this in this form. head reliably sends a signal to the pumpincluding prestigious chemical control and stops the filling process. Ifmanufacturers and end customers in Safe even in explosive areas required, a simple nitrogen blanketingvarious industrial sectors benefit from a system may also be provided through ahighly flexible precision tool in more than The QC-System is also available in a second channel in the head – filling in the100,000 variants for almost any imaginable completely electrically conductive variant, closed system without escaping nitrogenoperational purpose. and gases are also reliably prevented from gases is also efficiently assured. escaping, so it can be used withoutIt is completely free of metals and made difficulty in areas where there is a risk of Practice-oriented details for morefrom 100% ultrapure, high-performance explosion. This also makes handling efficiencyplastics, including a patented coding solvents such as isopropyl alcohol simplersystem that prevents product mix-ups. It and safer. With more than 30 years of experience inincludes a Quick-Connect System, every the semiconductor and solar panellast detail of which is designed to maximize production processes, AS designs itssafety and purity during production. QC-Systems to reflect practical realities; the processes can constantly be improved and made more efficient. www.pessolar.com 61

TALKING POINTThe expertise of the AS engineers is automatic switching between two This is why the suppliers of chemicals likeguaranteed for all their products no matter containers. This enables downtimes to be to pre-install QC dip tubes in advance,how unique the variant - engineering made reduced practically to zero. which makes handling and logistics evenin Germany. easier and more convenient for users. Moreover, there is no need for the presenceQuicker still with the high flow version of a technician when dispensing in a closed With QC dip tubes, even without bellows, a circuit, such as the QC-System, with remote substantially smaller residual quantity is left and alert systems as an option. All of this in containers than with previous systems. increases productivity, while also ensuring quicker processes and better efficiency.The G-Series empties a 1000 liter IBC container Integrated sensors in the dispense heads make QC dip tubes with bellows permit almost completein 10 minutes. automatic shut-down or switching between drainage – as well as less hazardous, less containers possible, thereby maximizing efficiency. expensive transport.The G-Series, which was originally Picture: atp GmbHdeveloped for the solar industry, permits Wide range of variants ensureshighly efficient dispensing and filling with Best possible residual drainage highest flexibilityflow rates of up to 150 L/min. This meansthat a 1000 liter IBC container is emptied in Custom-made QC dip tubes fitted with Customers can already choose from morejust 10 minutes. The G-Series is now in use bellows are adapted to different lengths than 100 dispense head variants and morein many sectors of industry. and threads, ensuring almost complete than 1000 dip tubes, many of which were drainage, even from large containers. With developed by AS according to customerAutomatic empty status reports a Schütz-IBC type, for instance, residual specifications. And if a special solution is quantities of less than 2 liters are possible. not immediately available, the techniciansThe QC dispense heads with their This is not only highly efficient, it also in the development center in Germany willintegrated bubble sensor enable automated makes the return transport and disposal of keep working until it fits.operation, such as actuation of the pump, the containers much easier, less hazardouscontrol of signal lights or signal horns, or and less expensive. From a 5 liter canister all the way to an IBC – QC fits.62 PES Solar

TALKING POINT ‘AS provides more than 4500 customers worldwide from the semiconductor, solar, pharmaceutical, chemical and electroplating industry with the patented QC-System worldwide’More than 100,000 possibilities: Combinations of 100 dispense heads and more than 1000 dip tubes possible.For individual combinations great importance to quick handling and A.S. Plastics Technology logistics. This is surely one of the reasonsThe QC-System is designed as a modular why the complete QC-System is now used A.S. Plastics Technology, Inc., with itsconstruction kit, with which different series in an enormously diverse range of industrial headquarters in Texas, is responsible(QC-2, QC-3 and the G-Series) can be sectors all over the world. The combination for distribution of AS products as wellcombined in a highly flexible manner and of quality and speed has always paid off. as for customer service on the USfitting for all kinds of uses: different materials, market.ventilation systems, connectors (horizontal The American users of chemicals in theand vertical), valves and O-rings provide semiconductor and solar industries can As one of the leading manufacturers ofcomplete flexibility. Additional options, such therefore look forward to this special ‘quick chemical dispense systems, ASas the mentioned limit switches, special & clean’ system, which will ensure better provides more than 4500 customersmixing nozzles and pumps, make protection and lead to quicker processing. worldwide from the semiconductor,customized solutions possible. solar, pharmaceutical, chemical and www.as-plastech.com electroplating industry with the patentedFits all containers from 5 to 1000 liters QC-System (Quick Connect), worldwide. The QC-System at a glanceWhether for IBCs, drums or canisters, and Furthermore, AS develops andfor any type of connection thread, for dome A complete system made of ultrapure, produces complete ready-to-connectcovers or IBC top covers – the QC-System high-performance plastics, proven over systems, serial parts, customizedfits all container and packaging systems decades, is now available in over products and complex devices fromranging from 5 to 1000 liters. 100,000 product variants: more than high performance plastics. Intelligent 100 dispense head versions, more than solutions made in Germany –Designed for fastest delivery 1000 dip tubes and a comprehensive developed in the USA. range of additional options. 100%Anyone who has waited for weeks for their adaptable to customer specifications. www.pessolar.com 63new dispensing system or replacement Extremely short delivery times.parts can fully appreciate fast deliverytimes. Therefore AS has always attached

TALKING POINTEfficiency and resourceconservation in productionprocessesIn the manufacturing process of its products, Pfeiffer Vacuum does not only attachimportance to advanced technologies and highest quality standards but also to energy andresource efficiency, as these are important features of our corporate philosophy. Efficientsolutions, with significant cost savings can be provided to customers, by incorporatingthese features in Pfeiffer Vacuum products. But not only customers benefit from efficientand thus cost-saving production, as PES found out from Pascal Ochalek, Facility ManagerPfeiffer Vacuum SAS, Annecy, France.Even Pfeiffer Vacuum’s own manufacturing Combination of efficient products and top priority. In recent years, impressiveprocesses should be as efficient and sustainable production as a recipe progress has been achieved in this andenvironmentally conscious as possible. We for success product development has significantlytake our environmental responsibilities very expanded: for some time now, developmentseriously and want to optimally fulfil them in Our customers’ interests constitute our projects have been carried out according toorder to be able to guarantee a sustainable biggest and most important focus. the Eco Design approach. This means thatvalue chain to customers, starting with the Therefore, the improvement of efficiency the environmental impact of a productvery first link. and sustainable operation of vacuum throughout its entire life cycle is considered solutions for customers has so far been the64 PES Solar

TALKING POINTright at the beginning of the development Green Fab Lab as a milestone of of tools and machines.phase. At least three environmental aspects sustainable productionare optimised for each new project. Thanks to the environmentally friendly The Green Fab Lab concept was design of the production buildings andAfter the implementation of this milestone implemented as a pilot project in the factories, it was possible to optimise the useregarding sustainable product Pfeiffer Vacuum production facility in of natural light. This lessens the cost ofdevelopment, Pfeiffer Vacuums’ own Annecy, France. It includes comprehensive illumination significantly. The risk ofmanufacturing process should also fulfil the measures to increase efficiency and contamination was also greatly reduced, duerequirement of conscious and sustainable resource conservation in all matters to automated coolant and chemical supplymanagement. The overall sustainability concerning the production cycle. systems. Thanks to the use of a centralrequirement does not simply entail efficient outgassing system with filters, thisoperation management on the client‘s side, In a filtration unit, cooling lubricants, chips significantly improved the air quality. Hence,using energy-saving products from and production residues are filtered out and also the working conditions were enhanced.Pfeiffer Vacuum. It also involves making the can then be reused. This leads to thecompany‘s own creative process in all its draining processes being reduced by a Through regular measurement and analysisfacets as efficient as possible in order to factor of ten and to a significant reduction of machined parts, processing tools areestablish Pfeiffer Vacuum as an energy in oil and water consumption. In terms of constantly being adjusted and adapted. Thispioneer in the industry. the production process, this results in leads to a decrease in the waste of raw stable processing steps and reduced wear materials, energy and goods. ConsistentFigure 1: Industrial cleaning machine for decontamination www.pessolar.com 65

TALKING POINTFigure 2: Filtration unit for sorting and recycling coolants, chips and production residuesprocess monitoring improves production system uses 30% less energy and 60% resources and the environment in theprocesses, in terms of speed and relevance. less water than other cleaning systems. production process.Increased flexibility in production, better Moreover, significantly less detergent istraceability of manufactured components required. Thus, the cleanliness of the With energy consciousness towardsand, not least, improved productivity can be finished parts can be improved and, most the futureachieved by this measure. importantly, monitored. With the new cleaning system, the cleaning capacity is With the Green Fab Lab concept and itsTo meet the decontamination also twice as high. extensive use throughout different areas inrequirements in production, an production, Pfeiffer Vacuum is able toenvironmentally friendly industrial An automatic rotary device for the implement its efficiency requirements. Thiscleaning system was installed. processing, measurement and management not only contributes, with the help of ourComponents can be cleaned and rinsed of components allows the environmentally energy and resource-saving products, to thesolvent-free before assembly. Thanks to a harmful aluminium and stainless steel chips efficient management of operations on thenew machine concept, the cleaning to be collected and recycled. With the help customer side, but also results in significant of the rotary device, coolants can also be savings in energy consumption, waste Pfeiffer Vacuum filtered and distributed centrally. management and the use of limited resources within the company’s own production Vacuum solutions from a single source An automated painting system was installed process. This makes production more to dry, varnish and feed the pumps. Thanks efficient and environmentally responsible. Pfeiffer Vacuum stands for innovative to this system, solvents are no longer and custom vacuum solutions necessary for painting and cleaning In addition, the Green Fab Lab raises the worldwide, technological perfection, processes. The painting requires 30% less awareness of Pfeiffer Vacuum’s employees competent advice and reliable service. energy and it gives off 30% less waste regarding the issue of energy and resource during this process than comparable efficiency, which causes a multiplier effect Complete range of products systems. This not only increases the and the general environmental awareness reproducibility and quality of the painting in the workforce increases. From a single component to complex process but will also improve productivity systems: We are the only supplier of and allow for a smooth distribution of work. www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com vacuum technology that provides a complete product portfolio. The interaction of all these components Are you looking for a perfect vacuum increases the quality of production solution? Please contact us: Competence in theory and practice processes significantly and makes them environmentally friendly and efficient. Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH Benefit from our know-how and our Pfeiffer Vacuum has thus succeeded in Headquarters portfolio of training opportunities! We implementing a sustainable production Germany T +49 6441 802-0 support you with your plant layout strategy and in meeting its requirements and provide first-class on-site regarding the conservation of energy, [email protected] service worldwide.66 PES Solar

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ASK THE EXPERTSResearch andinnovation pay offDustIQRuud Ringoir, product manager at Kipp & Zonen is a regular solutions for their local situation.visitor to PES. It’s great to hear that the markets continue tobe buoyant. There is continuous research into optimizing their This shows the market has matured and issolar radiation measurement tools, which will spill over to the now focusing on optimizing performance.roof top market. The price drop in PV panels made it an attractive source of solar energy. ThePES: Welcome back to PES Solar/PV We offer a wide range of radiometers from ongoing research, prospecting andmagazine, Ruud, it’s great to talk with ultraviolet to far-infrared. Our market has performance monitoring is also still ayou again. I’m sure there will be some long been meteorology and science, but growing market for us.new readers, so could you begin by over the last 20 years solar energy hasexplaining a little about the background become our main market. Product PES: Bifacial seems to be the new trendof Kipp & Zonen and the importance of improvements and interfaces have optimized in PV, can you explain what it is andthe solar/PV industry to you? our monitoring solutions for this industry. whether you are expecting this trend to continue?Ruud Ringoir: Yes, my pleasure. PES: Are you still finding this is aEstablished in 1830 and manufacturing growing market? RR: Bifacial is simply a PV module thatpyranometers since 1930, Kipp & Zonen makes use of solar radiation coming in onhas a long history as a leading RR: Yes, we have spent years explaining to both sides, therefore the back is alsomanufacturer of accurate and reliable solar solar energy customers the benefit of transparent. When sunlight hits the groundradiation sensors and systems. accurate solar monitoring, now we can or any other object it is reflected back, when focus on advising the most optimal the reflected light hits the back of the bifacial module it adds to its energy production. The relation between the incoming and reflected light is the so-called albedo.68 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTS Albedometer Kit SMPDepending on the conditions the energy meteorology and climate research as well. O&M companies?gain of bifacial modules can be 10% ormore. To make optimal use of bifacial To measure the incoming plane of array RR: In fact, all our pyranometers can be usedmodules a high albedo, high DNI, optimal irradiance for performance ratio purposes as albedometers. As explained above, therow to row distance and module height are the positioning of the pyranometers is optimal position to measure the reflected lightrequired. This technology has been around generally well understood. However, for is not always identical to the measurement offor over 10 years but the latest measuring the reflected radiation coming into the incoming global radiation.improvements and pricing makes it the back of a module there are fewpossible to stand out, given the right guidelines. It is important to select the right Using a set of two identical pyranometers,conditions, over conventional one-sided PV location, where the pyranometer is parallel to one facing up and one facing down ispanels. Tracking mechanisms have been the module and receives light representative enough to measure the albedo. The mostoptimized to work with bifacial modules and of the array. It might not correspond with the commonly used type is a double SMP10these technologies are often combined. position of the POA pyranometer. pyranometer. It can be mounted back to back and has a special mounting rod toPES: Is it possible to monitor bifacial PV If the conditions affecting the amount of make it an all in one albedometer.with pyranometers? light reflected vary along a row, it may be necessary to average over two or more PES: Are your systems easy to use or isRR: Yes, to monitor a bifacial PV plant a downwards-facing pyrometers. The local specific training needed?double pyranometer (albedometer) is used albedo is not a fixed number but dependentin the plane of array, one facing up for on solar angle and weather conditions, RR: All radiometers and solar monitoringglobal tilted radiation, the other facing down such as rain or frost on the surface. systems are easy to install and maintain.for the (tilted) reflected light. The Nowadays in our smart radiometers thealbedometer existed long before the bifacial PES: Please could you explain what integrated desiccant lasts for 10 years andtechnology, because it is used in albedo is and why it’s important to the modbus interface, with free software, measure it? makes it easy to set-up while the maintenance is minimal. RR: Albedo is defined as the ratio of the diffuse reflection of solar radiation to the All the required information for installation total incoming solar radiation, it is is given in the instruction sheet. Technical dimensionless and expressed as a number background and all details are in the between 0 and 1. Where 0 is total manuals that can be found online. Of absorption and 1 is total reflection. For course, when specific application questions example, green grass has an albedo of come up customers can always contact around 0.25, dry desert sand about 0.4, one of our local distributors or if required whilst fresh clean snow is more than 0.8. our head office. All bifacial modules make use of the PES: Do you have any other new reflected irradiance, so proper monitoring products or solutions in the pipeline – if includes the albedo monitoring as well. so would like to hear about them? Because there are limited mathematical models for bifacial modules, monitoring the RR: One of our new products, which has albedo is essential to prove the just become available is the DustIQ. A performance of the system. soiling sensor that will give you the soiling ratio of the panels. Requiring absolutely no PES: We are curious to know maintenance it shows you how much which solutions you recommend to energy you lose and the optimal point in time when to clean. When the panels get www.pessolar.com 69

ASK THE EXPERTSRT1 Lufft WS510dirty, the DustIQ gest dirty, when the panels low soiling and high quality back-panel beyond, what trends and/or changes areare cleaned, the DustIQ gets cleaned. It is temperature monitoring. Here we see you anticipating in the solar monitoringmounted on the side of a panel and gives opportunities as it is an upcoming market market and why?the transmission loss of the glass. with a lot of potential. PES: What is the single biggest RR: We see a strong cooperation betweenThis is directly connected to the energy challenge facing the market today? local monitoring and satellite data, whereloss of your PV park. Correlated to the RR: Our biggest challenge is to optimize integration of the two gives best resultsbifacial modules, the back side might not our product portfolio to the changing (see our white paper). With bifacial,be polluted as quickly and it is also not market. Maintaining accuracy and reliability tracking and other concentratingcleaned by rain. Therefore, we also with improved features for local techniques we see an increased interest inrecommend the DustIQ (in reversed requirements. Our customers in solar DNI measurement.position) for bifacial modules. energy are not the scientists that clean and check their instruments every day. We as Global warming with the pressure on fossilPES: What makes Kipp & Zonen stand Kipp & Zonen have to make sure that even fuels and CO2 reduction plans make Solarout from the competition and why with less maintenance, the performance of Energy a good choice we should embrace.should customers choose you? our instruments remains optimal. The sun, source of our energy is free, but PES: Looking ahead into 2018 and for our and coming generations we betterRR: Our knowledge of the solar monitoring make optimal use of it.market, wide product range, plus DustIQworldwide network of dealers makes it www.kippzonen.comvery easy to stand out and help customerslocally, on individual optimized monitoringsolution. With our recent integration in theOTT HydroMet group we are furtherexpanding our network. Offering not onlysolar monitoring but also completeweather stations.PES: Where do you operate and where arethe key markets for Kipp & Zonen and arethere any areas, geographically speaking,that you would like to break in to?RR: Providing instruments for solarmonitoring for almost 100 years, we havenow local distribution in almost everycountry in the world. We see growth inAfrica and South America, where bifacialprojects specifically are gaining. Cost ofland (row to row space) and high DNI arethe key factors here.Another part that we are focusing on iscommercial rooftops. Often considered astoo small to monitor we developed the RT1(RoofTop1) with extremely easy mounting,70 PES Solar

microCELLTMHighly Productive Laser Systems for Solar Cell Processing Versatile laser processing platforms: » Laser contact opening (LCO) » Half cell cutting by TLS » Patterning, doping, and annealing » Upmost throughput in the market » Unbeatable cost-benefit ratio 3D-Micromac AG Micromachining Excellence www.3d-micromac.com

TALKING POINTLiverpool college generates itsown heat and electricity withinnovative CHP, electric andphase change thermal storageUsing electricity and heat generated by the same installation is an effective way to increaseefficiency in buildings — and also cut costs. In co-generation systems, the fuel, in this casegas, is used to generate electricity using a small gas turbine and the waste heat is used toheat the building and provide hot water.Lawrie Wilson, Area Manager UK & Ireland at Reducing dependence on this was decided against, due to the higherTESVOLT since 1 April 2018 electricity prices cost of generating heat than when using a gas turbine combined heat and powerWirral Metropolitan College, near Liverpool, The sharp increases in electricity and gas solution. This also provided greater CO2is setting a good example in this field. The prices, in the UK in recent years, make savings. The college will now draw minimumcollege has four campuses located around this transition a worthwhile investment for power from the public grid and will makeBirkenhead in the Wirral. By the end of the the college. ‘This is a demonstration particularly efficient use of the gas, which ityear, it will be using gas to cover most of its project which is receiving funding from burns in its own installation. This will alsoTwelve Quays campuses own day-to-day the local authorities as part of an reduce the electrical load on the localheat and electricity needs. extremely low energy agenda,’ says electrical infrastructure, allowing additional George Norrie, Technical Director at capacity elsewhere. There will also be Scotia Energy, the project designers and significant maintenance savings over the integrators. Wirral Metropolitan College is costs for the existing heating system. the first public institution to benefit from a multi-million regeneration programme for Combined plant for optimum efficiency the town of Birkenhead, just across the Mersey from Liverpool. Its new Wirral The college, which has around 3000 Waters campus is the first building students, has installed two 65kWe completed as part of the redevelopment. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Units and thermal and electrical battery storage as ‘There’s a substantial initial outlay, but in the elements of a co-generation plant. One long term the 12 Quays campus will be able CHP unit will supply heat and electricity to slash energy consumption, CO2 emissions around the clock, while the other will only and costs — we estimate savings of over run during the day in winter to best match £55,000 per year after an amortization time the heating and electrical demand profiles of about 6 years,’ says Mr Norrie. This is when students are in class and the heat made possible by co-generation technology, and electrical consumption is at its highest. which in this case runs on gas along with The phase change thermal and Tesvolt thermal heat storage and electrical battery electrical batteries store energy during storage. This is much more efficient than, for periods of low demand and supplement the example, oil or gas boilers. heating and electrical systems when the demand is high. The initial project assessment also considered using an electric heat pump, but The college is in use 40 weeks a year from72 PES Solar

TALKING POINTTesvolt battery storage system with a capacity of 134kWh and an output of 60kW. Co-generation technology The two co-generation units also give thewith gas along with thermal heat storage and electrical battery storage is much more efficient than oil or gas project an extra layer of financial security. Ifboilers. Photo Credit: Scotia Energy one of the machines is unavailable, the other can ensure that the supply is maintained7am to 11pm. As the amount of electricity them later on. The thermal storage system until they are both in operation again.and heat generated over the course of a takes up heat generated by the first,day does not always correspond to the level continuously running unit at night and then During the summer holidays in July andof demand, a battery storage system and supplies it during the day as needed. The August, when electricity and heatthermal storage system are in place to electrical battery storage system does the requirements are much lower, the collegeabsorb surplus quantities and re-supply same for surplus electricity. will draw energy from the grid and the co-generation plant will be shut down. The low energy demand over the summer makes this more cost-efficient, and it also reduces maintenance requirements and extends the service life of the installations. Depending on the cost of imported electricity in the future it is possible to run the CHP in electrical mode only, by blowing off the heat and generating electricity during the summer if found attractive. High-performance battery storage system The battery storage system has a capacity of 134kWh and an output of 60kW, and was supplied by the manufacturer Tesvolt, based in Lutherstadt Wittenberg in Germany. Tesvolt specializes in versatile, high-grade storage systems using Lithium Graphite Nickel Manganese Cobalt (G/NMC). Samsung SDI produces the cells, which are also used in the automotive industry and offer outstanding safety and performance. ‘To ensure balanced energy flows between the various cells during battery chargingWirral Metropolitan College, near Liverpool. Photo Credit: Scotia Energy www.pessolar.com 73

TALKING POINTTwo 65kWe Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Units will cover most of the day-to-day heat and electricity needs. Photo Credit: Scotia Energyand discharging, we’ve developed a smart and does not require oil changes, only to access real time and historical data oncontrol system called the Active Battery regular filter changes, as the rotor assembly the installations performance and learn howOptimizer,’ explains Lawrie Wilson, Area is mounted on air bearings. they are controlled and operated — aManager UK & Ireland at Tesvolt. The practical example which will help them toGerman manufacturer’s storage systems A practical example for the experts prepare for their future careers.use active bi-directional control, which of tomorrowindividually balances each battery cell, to The system will go live when the new termachieve up to 8000 full charge cycles with Using this energy system to supply the starts this September. ‘The monitoring100% Depth of Discharge. This means that college is cheaper, cleaner, quieter, more system data will then show us exactly whatthe college’s storage system will enjoy a efficient and reduces CO2 emissions. In the energy and cost savings are and also,long service life with little need for addition, as part of a STEM training which college subjects involve particularlymaintenance. The co-generation plant’s program, students will be able to use Scotia high energy consumption, in order that wegas turbine also has very few moving parts Energy’s monitoring and targeting system can optimize this if necessary,’ explains George Norrie.Wirral Metropolitan College, near Liverpool. Photo Credit: Scotia Energy The project holds further potential for future electricity cost savings and even profits. For example, the surplus electricity which is generated can be sold to help manage demand and optimize grid frequency. It is intended that DC power the internet for computer systems, electric car charging, solar thermal, solar PV and wind turbines will be added to the college energy mix over the next year or so, making the college a truly integrated Scotia Energy solution for the future. The college is so excited about the 12 Quays campus technology mix it is already planning a similar system with Scotia Energy for its Conway campus. It is hoped that this Innovative integrated energy solution will be rolled out across the local area for schools, colleges, leisure centres and commercial and public buildings. www.tesvolt.com74 PES Solar



THINK TANKAdvanced solar cellproduction requires asystems-level approach toachieve abatement goalsWords: Chris Jones, Senior Product Manager, Edwards VacuumSolar panel manufacturers strive to minimize cost and maximise efficiency of their modules.Their success is confirmed by the substantial decrease in $/Wp factor for the modules. In2006, crystalline silicon based module prices were approximately 5.2$/Wp. By 2017, this haddropped to 0.42$/Wp, over an order of magnitude decrease in ten years.There has also been a massive relocation of Technology Module Efficiency Relative Module Efficiencythe cell and module manufacturing industry. Thin film 14-16% Increase vs 14% AbsoluteIn 2006, China and Taiwan produced ~7%of the world production of solar modules as 0%-14%expressed as MWp. At that time, over 40%of production was in Japan, and over 30% Mono-crystalline and Czochralski 16-18% 14%-29%in Europe. By 2017, China and Taiwan silicon (mCz-Si) PERCdominated module manufacturing, withover 70% of the world production, ~60% of Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) 18.5%-21% 32%-50%that being in China alone. Both Japan and Silicon HeterojunctionEurope had dropped to less than 5%. Relative efficiency = recorded module efficiency/14% -100%It is important to stress that $/Wp valuesare dominated by availability and cost of e.g. mCzSi at 18% module efficiency, relative efficiency = 18%/14%-100% = 29%capital, land prices, environmentalregulatory restrictions, and production Table 1. Typical Module Efficienciesscale – these parameters contribute tooperating costs more than labor. encouraged in China, like many other cells by adopting differential FITs. One such countries, by the implementation of feed in cell technology, passivated emitter and rearModule efficiency contributes to the $/Wp tariffs (FITs - long-term agreements and cell (PERC) has been encouraged by thisperformance indicator. The table provides guaranteed pricing tied to costs of differential tariff approach.absolute and relative module efficiencies. production). However, also like many countries, as the cost of the power A conventional crystalline silicon solar cellThe best heterojunction modules are 50% generated by solar technology dropped, the comprises:more efficient than those modules based Chinese government has reduced the FITs.on thin films. In 2015, the average FIT was 0.95 RMB • Screen printed silver contacts (0.95 Chinese yuan = $US 0.15)/kWh. InThe Chinese government has been very June 2018, this was dropped to between • Anti-Reflective Coatingactively promoting development of its 0.65 to 0.75 RMB ($US 0.1-0.12)/kWh.manufacturing industries. Local • Phosphorus diffused, boron doped siliconmanufacturing has been encouraged not The Chinese government has also directed wafers that form the P-N junctiononly by the supply of cheap capital, but the market to encourage the manufacturealso by increased land availability. The of the modules using more efficient solar • Aluminum Back Surface Field (Al-BSF)installation of solar modules has been • Aluminum contact layer.76 PES Solar

THINK TANKIn a PERC cell, two additional steps are Figure 1 – Conventional Crystalline Silicon Solar Cellemployed. First, a rear surface passivationfilm is applied. The passivation of the rear Figure 2 – PERC Technology Crystalline Silicon Solar Cellsurface is ensured by depositing a thinlayer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) using either Table 2. Some of the process gases used in PERC technology solar cell manufacture and the hazardsfast atomic layer deposition (fast-ALD) or associated with use.plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition (PECVD) and gases such astrimethylaluminum (CH3)3Al and nitrousoxide (N2O). The SiNx capping layer, like theother silicon nitride layers, is created usingPECVD deposition with silane (SiH4) andammonia (NH3) as the primary processgases. Second, chemical or laser etchingcan be done to open the rear passivationfilm to absorb more light. Theimprovements achieved by employing theadditional steps are:• More light is absorbed.• L ess light is lost because of increased internal reflection.• Electron recombination is reduced.It is possible to achieve up to 1% absolutegain in efficiency by using this approach.In the ALD process much of thetrimethylaluminum is converted to alumina,but residual process gases can be found inthe chamber exhaust gas – chamberprocess gas utilizations and conversionefficiencies vary depending on the toolmanufacturer. The complete reaction doesnot occur.2Al(CH3)3 + 24N2O(g) = Al2O3 + 6CO2(g) +9H2O(g) + 24N2(g)This means that trimethylaluminum, nitrousoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and waterall pass to the abatement system along withany process nitrogen and nitrogen that isalso used as the vacuum pump purge.In the silicon nitride process, the fullreaction does not occur.3SiH4(g) + 4NH3(g) = Si3N4 + 12H2(g)This means that silane, ammonia, andhydrogen all pass to the abatement systemalong with any process nitrogen and pumppurge nitrogen.What are the hazards associated withthe gases mentioned above, and howare these hazards managed?Silane, hydrogen, ammonia, methane,and trimethylaluminum are highlyflammable gases.Ammonia and nitrous oxide are both toxicwith IDLH (immediately dangerous to lifeor health) levels of 300ppm and100ppm respectively.Ammonia is ecotoxic and releases to airand water are regulated in all jurisdictions.Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methaneare global warming gases and, from 2019,nitrous oxide will be included in the IPCCguidelines. Releases of this gas will need to www.pessolar.com 77

THINK TANKGas Process Typical Flow be managed/reported as part of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.Input Gas SiN Typical process gas flows (excludingAmmonia Silicon Nitride Steps 5-10slm nitrogen) are shown in table 3.Silane 2-3slm We have already stressed that these gasesOutput gas – flows are process and tool dependent but will include silane, ammonia, can be pyrophoric and toxic. The mostand hydrogen effective route for the management of these flammable gases is to burn them in a fuelInput gas ALD (usually methane) and air mixture and then water scrub the resulting products. TheTrimethylaluminum ALD step 0.1g-0.2 g/m burning of the methane provides bothNitrous Oxide 4-6slm an ignition source and a high temperature to ensure effective destruction ofOutput gas – flows are process and tool dependent but will include trimethylaluminum, the compounds.nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide, and water. CH4(g) + 2O2(g) = CO2 + 2H2O(g)Table 3. Examples of flows of gases used in PERC technology solar cell manufacture. SiH4(g) + 2O2(g) = SiO2 + 2H2O(g) 2H2(g) + O2(g) = 2H2O(g) 2NH3(g) + 1.5O2(g) = N2(g) + 3H2O(g) (appropriate conditions are required to ensure NOx formation is minimised). 2Al(CH3)3 + 12O2(g) = 6CO2(g) + Al2O3 + 9H2O(g) If controlled carefully, abatement of nitrous oxide can also be achieved. 4N2O + CH4(g) = CO2(g) + 4N2(g) + 2H2O(g). The resulting very fine oxide powders from the silicon and aluminum compounds (d < 1μm) are often filtered by reverse pulsed HEPA filters to remove particulate from the abatement exhaust gases. Other technologies, such as wet electrostatic precipitators, can also be employed for the same fine solids collection duty. Any solidsFigure 3 – Flow sheet for thorough SiN abatement Figure 4. Flow sheet for thorough ALD abatement78 PES Solar

THINK TANKFigure 5 – Flow diagram for simple ignition and scrubbing only SiN.collected in the waste water from the Figure 6 – Flow diagram for simple ignition and scrubbing only ALD.abatement unit can be removed byflocculation and filtration in a waste watertreatment plant.This thorough abatement approach ensures:• T hat the flammable gases are rendered inert.• That any solids are collected and not discharged to atmosphere or water.• A mmonia is destroyed and not discharged to the environment (air or water).• Nitrous oxide and methane are destroyed and prevent contributing to global warming.This thoroughness does entail cost. Manymanufacturers will take one of two lessexpensive, and less effective, approaches.1. Dilution of the gases and wet-scrubbing • Ammonia will be wet-scrubbed. Nat. Limit 15m stack Grade II Beijing Limit 15m stack Grade IICompound Conc. Mass Per. Conc. Mass Per. mg/Nm3 kg/h mg/Nm3 mg/Nm3 kg/h mg/Nm3Silica Dust 60mg 1.9 1 10 0.78 0.5Alumina Dust Not included 20 0.08Nat – National limit GB16297Per - Facility boundary limit concentrationsTable 4. Stack emission limits GB16297 and DB11-501-2017 for selected solids. www.pessolar.com 79

THINK TANK‘Manufacturers will need to choose andimplement an effective abatement strategy, notonly to manage hazardous gases safely, but alsoto prevent breach of both national and localregulations relating to the release of particulates...’Parameter Surface water grade IV V Integrated waste water grade I II III pH 6-9 I II IIIpHSolids (SiO2) mg/l No limit declared 2 20-70 30-150 400NH3-N mg/l 10-15 15-25 0.15 0.5 1 1.5 No limit declaredTable 5. Waste water emission limits GB8978 for solids and ammonia. • Nitrous oxide will be released to the Type Annual Average μg/m3 24-h average μg/m3 environment and contribute to global PM2.5 Class I 15 Class II 35 Class I 35 Class II 75 warming. PM10 Class I 40 Class II 70 Class I 50 Class II 150 • M ethane and hydrogen released to the Table 6. Chinese Regulations Ambient PM 2.5 and PM 10 environment will gradually oxidize in the air by photolytically generated hydroxyl boundary emission releases of chemicals to Summary and conclusion radicals. This mechanism can also the atmosphere should ensure compliance oxidize silane and trimethylaluminum to with both National Regulations (GB16297) We have described how the manufacture of fine oxide particulates. and local regulations, such as DB11-501- solar cells and modules has: 2017 in Beijing.2. P rovision of a simple ignition source to 3. Become more efficient as measured by encourage incineration of flammable Dispersion ensures that members of the $/Wp. gases if above their lower flammable limit public near to the facility boundary are not to be followed by wet-scrubbing. exposed to any significant hazard. 4. B een encouraged by the Chinese government to transition from Japan and • Ammonia will be wet-scrubbed. It should also be stressed that dilution is Europe to China. not permitted as a pollution mitigation • If above the flammable limits, then the mechanism under Chinese law. 5. Recently concentrated on the more flammable gases will undergo partial efficient solar cells, such as those oxidation to an extent that is controlled Wastewater discharge limits are also manufactured using the PERC technology. by the operating conditions. Solid controlled depending on the point of oxides of silicon and aluminium release. Discharges to natural water We have also described the potential compounds ranging from 0.5μm to sources are heavily restricted. pollution risks associated with the 10μm can be generated. These cannot production process and several alternative be effectively wet-scrubbed without a We have already commented that the dust strategies to abate these risks. There is specialised scrubber and hence particle size can be very small. Most of the clear difference in the thoroughness of released to the environment. dust created by these mechanisms will fall abatement achieved than by the into the category of PM2.5 (signifying alternatives. Manufacturers will need to • Residual flammable gases will experience particles size of less than 2.5μm). In 2012, choose and implement an effective the same fate as described above – with China revised the limits for ambient average abatement strategy, not only to manage further potential for fine dust releases. PM2.5 and PM10. hazardous gases safely, but also to prevent breach of both national and local • Nitrous oxide cannot be destroyed by PM10 particles are trapped within the upper regulations relating to the release of this route and will be released to the respiratory tract when inhaled. The smaller particulates (including PM2.5 and PM10 environment contributing to global PM2.5 particles can interfere with lung particles), as well as both the current and warming. function and lead to premature deaths impending IPCC guidelines. amongst the elderly, the young, and thoseWhat regulations and guidelines are in with impaired pulmonary function. For more information visit Edwards atplace to limit releases of such gases to www.edwardsvacuum.comthe environment?In China, controls of stack and facility80 PES Solar



PES ESSENTIAL The new generation of backsheets Backsheets are the important components of a solar PV panel. It is essential that they are of high quality to avoid degradation, unnecessary maintenance, and replacements, which all add to the costs and in turn decrease the user’s profit margin. PES gets the latest from Bischof + Klein on their new generation backsheets using their improved manufacturing process.82 PES Solar

PES ESSENTIAL ‘For Bischof + Klein this balance between economy, social responsibility and ecology forms part of the company’s tradition.’History of Bischof + Klein Focus in the Technical Films division is Figure 1. Highly efficient co-extrusion line at placed on the production of surface Bischof + KleinIn 1922, the company entered the protection films, technical laminates, filmspackaging industry with the production of for lamination and backsheets. We want to compare the differentpaper sacks for the neighbouring lime and backsheets TPT, TPE and PPE with ourcement works. Small paper packaging The B+K-GROUP manufactures its B+K BackFlex® PP in terms of reliability,items and newspaper printing extended products using state-of-the art systems electrical safety, shrinkage and influencethe product range. 1950 saw an increase in for mono/co-extrusion, gravure/HD- on PV module performance. The TPT,the production of consumer packaging. At flexographic printing, solvent-based/ TPE and PPE are standard ones andthe beginning of the 60s, B+K was solvent-free lamination and coating plus established on the market. They all areamongst the pioneers in plastic for extrusion lamination and coating. glue laminated types having a thick PETprocessing, and has been producing Highly-developed conversion technology core layer in common but differ in theindustrial packaging manufactured from with product-specific facilities for sealed, used outer layer (PVF or stabilised PET).plastic since 1963. From 1980 onwards, welded and adhesive designs enablethe consumer packaging range was individual production according to B+K BackFlex® PP stands for outstandingextended with the expansion of plastic customers’ wishes. stabilisation against UV irradiationprocessing. This period also saw the exhibiting no yellowing under desertestablishment of a new division: Packaging for high-purity products is climates but also under tropic zonesTechnical Films. manufactured under clean room which offer also elevated temperatures conditions in a separate production facility. and high humidity. Today, Bischof + Klein is one of Europe’s Water is part of our atmosphere and is leading full-service suppliers of flexible absorbed by polymeric materials where plastic and plastic laminate packaging it can cause hydrolysis effects and technical films. The new generation of backsheets Backsheets are used for electrical safety and protection of PV modules against environmental influences. Due to its reflection of sunlight the backsheet also contributes to the efficiency of PV modules overall performance. PV modules are installed worldwide and are, therefore, exposed to different climates with an aspired lifetime of more than 20 years. Degradation phenomena as hydrolysis, corrosion and yellowing can be caused by photochemical reaction due to ultra violet irradiation (UV) but also by the ingress of water vapour into the PV module. B+K has developed a high technical backsheet for PV modules. By using an improved manufacturing process, Bischof + Klein created a market innovation called B+K BackFlex® PP. This backsheet is produced via co-extrusion in a single-step process (Fig. 1). www.pessolar.com 83

PES ESSENTIAL Figure 2. Excellent hydrolysis resistance (e.g. embrittlement). Especially polyester (PET) is prone to hydrolysis based on its Figure 3. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) polymeric structure. B+K BackFlex® PP is based on polypropylene and, therefore, Figure 4. Yellowing over time is resistant to hydrolysis by nature. It can withstand more than 5.000 hours84 PES Solar of damp-heat testing (85°C / 85% r.h.) (Fig. 2). The ingress of water vapour into PV modules can cause corrosion of the metallic components but also hydrolysis of the encapsulant EVA which leads to acetic acid. B+K BackFlex® PP reduces the water ingress by more than 50% compared to market standards. The characterisation of the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) were carried out with a commercial Mocon test device at 38°C and 90% relative humidity (Fig. 3). The results show values of 1,7 to 1,5 g/m²d for the backsheets containing a thick PET core layer (TPT, TPE and PPE). The co-extruded PP offers a transmission rate of 0,6 g/m²d. The ingress of water vapour triggers also degradation phenomena over time as corrosion and hydrolysis. Therefore, the WVTR should be as low as possible. To investigate the resistance against UV and moisture the backsheets were exposed to more than 200 cycles of a Q-UV-chamber. One cycle exists of eight hours of UV irradiation (fluorescent tube) followed by 4 hours of humidity condensation at 50°C. The total dose of UV irradiation was around 120 kWh/m² (Fig. 4). Here, the B+K BackFlex® PP shows excellent weatherability between the investigated grades. Electrical safety plays also an important role in PV module certification (IEC 61730). Therefore, it has to be tested respectively

PES ESSENTIALFigure 5. Partial discharge and break down voltage 150°C for approximately 15 min., from several factors started by the solarof the investigated backsheets depending on the used embedding film. cell. But also, the backsheet contributes During this process the shrinkage of the to it by reflecting solar light between theFigure 6. Calculated power of a 60 cell PV module: used material, e.g. the encapsulant and cells. By optical measurements of allderived by Fraunhofer ISE cell-to-module backsheet, shall be as low as possible. components as glass, encapsulant and Therefore, all materials were stored in an backsheet the module efficiencythe backsheet’s break through voltage and oven for 15 min. at 150°C and analysed expressed as an Isc gain can bethe partial discharge. These regarding shrinkage. The results calculated. This approach was used tomeasurements were carried out at demonstrate a shrinkage of lower than compare the different backsheet typesTÜV Rheinland and VDE. The PET-based 0,2% for the of B+K BackFlex® PP and (Fig. 6).materials offer a partial discharge ranging more than 1% for the PET core-based ones.from 1,057 V (TPT) to 1,236 V (PPE) in Summarycontrast to 1,330 V of the PP backsheet. The energy yield of a PV module dependsThe break down voltage revealed bigger With the new B+K BackFlex® PPdifferences between the investigated Bischof + Klein introduces a newmaterial classes (Fig. 5). generation of backsheets in thePV modules are usually produced in a photovoltaic industry with the bestvacuum lamination process at around performance for the PV module. Not only the reflectance of sunlight is better compared to common backsheets, but also the reliability, the electrical safety and the energy saving. B+K BackFlex® PP is produced via co-extrusion in a single-step process. Therefore, neither glue nor solvents are required. This energy saving production and the longevity makes B+K BackFlex® PP all in all to a more sustainable product. The PV module with B+K BackFlex® PP can be installed without any restriction in any region worldwide with harsh climate conditions in the desert, in floating islands or also in the sea. ‘We want to structure the future!’ This intent runs throughout Bischof + Klein’s entire corporate history. The family- owned company thinks in terms of generations. This gives rise to the modern concept of ‘sustainability’. For B+K this balance between economy, social responsibility and ecology forms part of the company’s tradition. www.bk-international.com www.facebook.com/bischof.klein www.twitter.com/bischof_klein www.pessolar.com 85

ASK THE EXPERTS Global measuring and testing systemsPES had a very interesting conversation with Dirk Tegtmeyer, one of the founders ofIngenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer GmbH. Quality, customisation, a real interest in thetechnology and continually striving to reach the next level, along with staff driven by the sameaim, is what keeps this successful company at the top.PES: Welcome back to PES Solar/PV analyzers for PV, to the market. their material e.g. thin film.magazine, Dirk. It’s great to talk withyou again. For the benefit of our new The first IMT expansion was in 1999, when We produce our own temperature sensorsreaders would you like to begin by we got our first employee, Nikolai Maris, for ambient and module temperatureexplaining a little about the background who now is also an associate. Until 2011 we measurement and optimized theof Ingenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer were continuously growing, but this slowed uncertainty of our Si sensors by more thanGmbH (IMT) and the importance of the down a little bit in 2012 and 2013 because twice what it was.Solar/PV industry to you? of the German politics on renewables. All big monitoring companies worldwideDirk Tegtmeyer: We started in July 1993 Since then we have increased our export use our silicon irradiance sensors. Weas the first spin-off from the Institut für quota massively and therefore stabilized install complete measuring systems forSolarenergieforschung (ISFH, Institute for and this year it seems, that we will get back research institutes and industry. We alsoSolar Energy Research) the founders, to the size we were in 2011. Since the have experiences in planning PV systems,myself and Detlef Mencke, wanted to bring beginning we have extended our product especially customized building integratedour master thesis on silicon irradiance portfolio to all kinds of sun simulation, like PV generators, but this part of business issensor with internal temperature flash-light and LED based simulators, as decreasing, because these installations arecompensation of the irradiance signal, well as steady-state simulators for solar very few today in Germany.steady-state sun simulators and I-V curve thermal collectors and specific PV modules, which have a higher response time due to PES: Is this a growing market for you?86 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTS Automatic I-V curve measuring system for up to 12 PV modules (IMT)DT: Of course, the PV market worldwide is Singapore, to build up their own systems by implications to the client?increasing and therefore it is also a growing guiding them in the use of the bestmarket for IMT. It’s a great feeling: transducers and how to combine them in DT: For some research institutes andrenewable energies can compete with the their own data logging system. This is more module manufacturers it is very importantold energy monopoly, and hopefully make an interest, which gives us extra satisfied to get a measuring system that meets thethe world a better place. Renewable customers. And having satisfied customers specific needs of the engineers andenergies, not the components, are mostly has always been the most important thing scientists completely. So, the cost reallyproduced locally, so that the people have for us at IMT. These customers bring us depends on the requirements of thethe direct advantage within their region. new ones from all over the world. customer. Our PV-KLA I-V curve analyzing unit is built in modules, so it can beAt IMT we all love the rise in PV solar Over the last years the production of adapted to many requirements withoutsystems and the more independence we automatic PV I-V curve analyzing solutions increasing the price too much.are gaining from oil and gas. At the very (multiplexers) has become a big part of ourleast we have a part in all the PV systems portfolio. These MUX systems are able to PES: How and when is the I-V curvebuilt with monitoring systems, by supplying test several different PV modules measurement used?our irradiance and temperature sensors. automatically, under natural sunlight, complying with international standards. DT: Our I-V curve analyzers are not built forPES: We see you supply measuring With these test stands, which are totally use in the field for testing high-voltagesystems to a variety of industries; we plug and play, you can get the realistic strings, but for testing single modules. Thiswould like to know more about these yearly energy output of PV modules under is the only measurement which accuratelysolutions and the role they play. specific weather conditions. shows misbehaviour or power loss in PV module. Measuring a complete string onlyDT: Some years ago, many of our PES: Please tell us about your calibrated helps check whether the modules areinstallations were to test complete PV silicon irradiance sensor and how it working or not.systems, which means we built the benefits the client and the end user.complete system with AC and DC Therefore, most of our I-V curve analyzermeasurement transducers, data loggers DT: We have been creating silicon customers are research institutes orand data transition. Additionally, we also irradiance sensors now for 25 years and developing divisions, in PV manufacturers,helped research institutes like SERIS, in have made several improvements. During for whom we build customized systems to the last decade we improved the get best use out of the modules. mechanics and robustness, as well as the electronics and measuring uncertainty to PES: We are curious to know if your ±2.5 % of reading ±5 W/m². systems are easy to use or if specific training is needed? We use reference cells, that are yearly recalibrated at PTB (the National Metrology DT: We always try to keep an eye on the Institute of Germany) to do the inhouse easiness of our products, but in our calibration for our Si sensors. We have experience every product needs a service, developed all types of Si sensors, analogue because not all customers have even a and digital outputs, because they were basic knowledge. asked for by our customers. So, if there is a specific need for a monitoring company to For the technician, installing a monitoring use irradiance sensors, we are able to help. system with an irradiance sensor for the first time, there are several issues, of PES: How important is a customized course the solutions can be found in our system and what are the cost manual, but most of the time it‘s easier to www.pessolar.com 87

ASK THE EXPERTScall us directly by phone, or send an e-mail Detail of the 60 cell UniformSun homogeneity measurement module (ISFH)to get the short answer, rather than readthrough 20 pages of the manual. Therefore, DT: We are not quality certified by any silicon irradiance sensors, are exported tomost of our customers only need international standard, but we have our own China by them.assistance within 1 to 12 hours. quality processes. For instance, our silicon irradiance sensors get complete quality PES: What is the single biggestFor our test stands we nearly always have management from the PV cell laminate challenge facing the market today?customers experienced, for example, in (electroluminescence tests for everymeasuring PV module I-V curves. For the laminate), the housing (every part of every DT: One of the biggest challenges will be tofirst explanation and set-up we are also case), the calibration and the final test integrate the fluctuating PV energy and alsoable to help the customer by remote before packaging. wind energy, into the systems withoutcontrol, which was made for USA, as well causing problems for the end user.as Bangladesh or India. This is very easy All these quality steps are done by different Therefore, more decentralized storage hasand the customer is able to watch what we people, so every time there is more than to be implemented within Europeando within the software. one pair of eyes on the job. Every year we countries for example. Having discrete recalibrate all of our production and storage will help us to minimize theOur test stand hardware is tested for at reference equipment through DaKKs additional grid installations and also help usleast one week, in our workshop, for an certified labs: such as PTB or ISFH. to keep the existing grid in good condition.endurance run. Only if this test issuccessful, do we deliver the test stand. This means there is no uncertainty for us Small systems also can help the people in about the quality level of our sensors over rural regions to get energy for: light,PES: Do you have any new products in the complete temperature range from -40 medics, cooling and also fresh waterthe pipeline, if so we would like to hear to 85°C. without harming the environment withabout them? exhaust fumes. And perhaps we no longer Additionally, we have highly motivated need to suppress foreign countries in orderDT: We are currently working on two employees, who always are thinking about to obtain their oil and gas.research projects, together with solar how to improve things and bring productioninstitutes and the quality industry, on really quality to a new level. All of our engineers, PES: Looking ahead to the end of 2018exciting new products, but we can’t tell you especially our associate, Nikolai Maris, and beyond, what trends and/orabout these before 2019 or 2020. But on uses every working day to search for new changes are you anticipating in thesuccessful completion, both products will ideas and optimized technical data of our market and why?bring monitoring and maintenance of PV products. And we take care for oursystems to a new quality level. customers, who also have ideas for pushing DT: I personally would be happy, if building products to the next level. PV integration would become a larger partOne of the calibrated mini modules of a of the worldwide installed systems,UnifromSun module (ISFH) PES: Where do you operate and where because then PV would be available to are the key markets for IMT and are there many people.PES: What makes IMT systems stand out are any areas, geographically speaking,from the competition and why should that you would like to break in to? It will also be interesting to see at whichcustomers choose you? price level PV modules will stabilise this DT: Since our worst year (2012), when year, after China, the largest market for PVDT: We work hard on every project to throughout the year our turnover dropped installations, has limited the installation tosatisfy all our customers. This give us a down by 50%, because of the killing of the 35 GWp for 2018. The production linesbetter reputation in the market and more German PV industry and market, we have globally have a much higher capacity thancustomers as a result, because they hear found new markets to take over the German the probable installation for 2018. PV willabout us from other customers. This has industry and installation. Beginning with become even more reasonable in price, thebeen our policy since the start of our France, UK and USA, then East Europe, quality of modules, inverters andbusiness and it has helped us flourish. I Israel, India, Singapore, Bangladesh and installation will be of highest interest to getthink, many successful companies China. We do not export directly to China, sustainable energy production. Storageworldwide have had the same experience, but one of our largest customers in the systems especially will help PV to stabiliseand it is not just an outstanding trademark monitoring industry, was bought by a the electrical grid and get solar power toof IMT, but it certainly helps a lot. For Chinese company some years ago, so higher levels of stability and availability.instance, IMT’s temperature compensated these monitoring systems, together with oursilicon irradiance sensors are a unique www.ib-mut.defeature on the global market.PES: Quality is something you strive for;how do you manage this and ensureyou always produce the best productsyou can?88 PES Solar

The New Shape of Energy

ASK THE EXPERTSNew technologyin backsheetsPES caught up with the joint managing directors of ISOVOLTAIC SOLINEX, Diplom-IngenieurThomas Rossegger and Magister Matthias Meinl. They lead a very experienced team in backsheettechnology and have customers all over the globe. Their latest offering is polypropylene-based andout performs similar products on the market. R&D and innovation remains a constant quest.PES: Welcome to PES Solar/PV product, to the global PV industry with an TR & MM: In the long run, we believe thatmagazine, it’s great to talk with you. outstanding, qualified and experienced team. the global PV industry will continue to growCould you begin by explaining a little significantly as renewable energyabout the background of ISOVOLTAIC At SOLINEX, we are continuing the production becomes more and moreSOLINEX and the importance of the innovative spirit that our original company important to the world. As such, wesolar/PV industry to you? ISOVOLTAIC, has always been known for continue to be committed to the industry: a and du to this we are leaders in the global trusted business partner, known forThomas Rossegger & Matthias Meinl: At backsheet market. Our dedicated mission innovation and quality. This being said, it isSOLINEX, we have accumulated more than is to cater to the global PV industry, with a evident that the immaturity of the industry30 years in the backsheet business within the product portfolio that offers our clients a still features high amplitude volatility andglobal PV industry. Being a carve-out of highly attractive combination of competitive massive transformation.long-standing ISOVOLTAIC AG, our team has advantages, in terms of productextensive experience and an excellent performance, cost of ownership and The recent move of the Chinesenetwork on the market. As such, we combine ecological considerations. government to reduce domestic installationthe benefits of a new and innovative is just the latest in a sequence of eventscompany, offering a highly reputable PES: Is this still a growing market for you? that have rattled the market in the past90 PES Solar

ASK THE EXPERTS Thomas Rossegger Matthias Meinlyears and we believe that it will not be the single production step so as to combine the acquired a stake in SOLINEX.last. We consider these a natural evolution benefits of area-specific functionality in theprocess that will certainly challenge all backsheet, with full protection against TR & MM: RIH acquired a minority stake inmarket participants alike. delamination. In terms of technical SOLINEX at the end of March 2018. The functionality, the product range company, headquartered in Vienna, has aNonetheless, with the right setup, product outperforms conventional backsheet long-standing track record in industrialportfolio and a continuously innovative compositions in a multitude of aspects investments with a very long-termmindset, we are convinced that we are in a such as reflectivity, damp heat perspective. For RIH, SOLINEX is theposition to continue supporting the further performance, UV resistance, acetic acid cornerstone, to what is to become, a largerdevelopment of the global PV market to a permeability and mechanical features. portfolio of investments in the renewablemature and self-sustaining industry. energy sector. With RIH, we are happy to In addition, the performance of have entered into a partnership in whichPES: We have been hearing about your ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G economically SOLINEX does not only benefit fromICOSOLAR® CPO 3G backsheet, can benefits both module producers through its financial support to master the occasionalyou explain what it is and its benefit to simple processing and investors through ups and downs of this young and dynamicthe customer and end user? equipping modules with an extended industry but also receives considerable lifetime at increased output. strategic and operational support.TR & MM: ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G is themost recent result of our continuous quest Thus, ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G combines both PES: Do you have any new other newfor innovation. With ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G, technical and economic advantages against products or solutions in the pipeline – ifSOLINEX was the first company globally to conventional backsheet compositions. so would like to hear about them?introduce a full polypropylene-based Eventually, its polypropylene basis allows forbacksheet to the market. It was designed full recyclability, thus adding to the technical TR & MM: As polypropylene-basedas a mono-layer and co-extruded in a and economic benefits and contributing to backsheets are comparably new to the the PV industry’s ambition to deliver truly industry, we are currently putting our focus clean energy. on educating the market on the benefits of this new and innovative technology. As PES: Please could you explain what such, continuing the so far successful hydrolytic stability is and how it affects growth path of ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G is PV module backsheets? core to us in the short run. Nonetheless, the key takeaway of our 30+ years of industry TR & MM: Hydrolysis is the cleavage of experience is that continuous innovation is chemical bonds in polymers by reaction the ultimate decisive factor for sustainable with water. This reaction occurs mainly in success in the PV industry. To this end, our polymers that take up a lot of moisture and R&D department is constantly undertaking that have water-sensitive groups in the to develop the next level of product in a polymer backbone. PV-modules in the field balanced set of technical, economic and and consequently, PV-module-backsheets ecologic benefits. Currently, we are looking are in constant contact with humidity. This at expanding our product portfolio so as to is why backsheets need to be highly adapt to the variety of processing setups, resistant to hydrolysis in order to avoid with module producers globally, as well as polymer degradation. general research efforts towards a full polyolefin-based cell encapsulation. PES: We are curious to know how things have changed since the Vienna-based PES: We know you believe in healthy and investment company RING sustainable development, please INTERNATIONAL HOLDING AG (RIH) expand on this? www.pessolar.com 91

ASK THE EXPERTSTR & MM: Obviously, healthy and flexibility, tailor-made solutions according to outside of China, for example India orsustainable development is a fairly broad market requirements and – first and Turkey. Nevertheless, China continues to beterm that allows for broad interpretation. At foremost – consistent and reliable service an important target market for SOLINEX,SOLINEX, we apply this approach to both and quality. which we are tackling by offering aour products and corporate strategy. dedicated product. Core to our regional We believe that cooperation along the vertical strategies is always local presence andWith regard to product sustainability, we value chain is inevitable for the industry to market-specific service proposals, howeverbelieve that technical performance eventually stabilize and as such are seeking centrally coordinated by our globallyleadership, cost competitiveness and long-term partnerships with our customers. experienced team in Austria.ecological considerations together, are whatconstitutes sustainability in the long run. PES: What makes ISOVOLTAIC SOLINEX PES: What is the single biggest stand out from the competition and why challenge facing the market today?While technical performance and cost should customers choose you?competitiveness are on everybody’s TR & MM: The single largest challenge thatagenda already, we believe that in particular TR & MM: Our service offering always all markets players are exposed to equallythe ecologic component will become ever combines state-of-the-art products that is certainly still the market’s immaturity.more important. As we are approaching a benefit our customers in all technical, Players across the entire value chain arestage where the pioneer solar parks will economic and ecologic aspects with a still hunting markets based on temporaryhave to be renewed, the recycling process highly experienced, qualified and service- regulatory government actions rather thanof old modules will move into the focus. oriented team. We continuously encourage by sustainable economic imperative.There, ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G benefits from our customers to accompany us on ourits PO-based composition as it is – as innovation path, so as to ensure for our The comparably large number of fragmentedopposed to PVF or PVDF base materials customers that we will always be at the players, beyond the globally leading module– thermically recyclable. leading end of the market. producers, often does not find itself in a position to adjust to the artificially createdTo this end, all our development efforts are Our history of more than 30 years clearly dynamic of the market, which eventuallygeared to achieving a market-leading speaks to us being a reliable, long-term poses the risk of concentrated, undesiredcombination of all of the above features. partner able to master the industry’s module production globally, with anOur ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G is certainly one of swings. With SOLINEX, module makers and oligopoly of large module makers.the best in class in this respect. stakeholders further in the value chain haveNonetheless, we expect and hope for the the security of a long-standing and loyal At SOLINEX, however, we are convinced thatentire industry that further developments will partner that caters to both their short-term in order to stabilise the global PV industrycontinue to push the boundaries beyond the and long-term needs. and to ensure a healthy and sustainablecurrent level, a challenge that we are happy development, a solid, global, module makerto accept and feel well equipped to master. PES: Where do you operate and where landscape is required. To this end, we have are the key markets for ISOVOLTAIC established a corporate setup allowing us toSecondly, from a corporate strategy SOLINEX and are there any areas, strategically support our customersperspective, nobody would contest that the geographically speaking, that you would world-wide from small to large scale, thusglobal industry is far from stable at this very like to break in to? contributing to further detach the global PVmoment. Regional shifts, consolidation sector from temporary regulatory measures.waves and regular governmental regulatory TR & MM: Our headquarters is based in themeasures continue to keep the industry southern part of Austria, centrally located PES: Looking ahead into 2018 andhighly alert and at unease. within Europe and in close reach of a number beyond, what trends and/or changes are of oversea ports. From our state-of-the-art you anticipating in the solar monitoringAt SOLINEX, we are committed to production unit in Lebring, Austria, we cater market and why?contributing our share to accelerating the to module makers across the entire globe.industry’s path to stability through TR & MM: We believe that the rest of 2018regionally-specific product and service We have a long track record of business in and 2019 will – triggered by the most recentofferings such as warehousing, delivery China, yet ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G is move of the Chinese government – be primarily offered to the growing markets characterised by severe competition among module producers as a result of global overcapacity. This puts considerable pressure on the industry to further improve the module efficiency in order to render installation investment cases more profitable. We consider this a generally healthy development – though not triggered by market forces but regulatory action – and expect that the market’s quest for further efficiency will require all component suppliers to contribute their share. Price dumping may do the job in the short run; however, this would not contribute to a sustainable improvement of the industry. As such, we consider that innovation and R&D capability will become even more key to success in the near future in order to meet the market’s demands. At SOLINEX, we are well prepared to master the challenges ahead and are looking forward to helping our clients cater to the market with even better solutions. www.solinex.com92 PES Solar

www.solinex .com The revolutionary mod.PP monolayer-backsheet for high efficiency modules. ICOSOLAR® CPO 3G • Excellent reflectivity and UV-stability • Outstanding low WVTR and acetic acid permeability • State of the art hydrolytic stability and insulation properties Increased module output and extended lifetime Available in 4 different thicknesses in order to cover IEC 61730-1 Ed.1, IEC 61730-1 Ed.2 and UL Type I Project Partner

ASK THE EXPERTSA variety of recycling andwaste management solutions Bertrand Lempkowicz, PR, Marketing & Communication Manager, at PV CYCLE, popped in to PES to discuss the importance of recycling and managing waste produced by so called ‘green energy’. Our industry should definitely make this an even higher priority.Bertrand Lempkowicz or end-of-life panels. options for the end of life modules?PES: Welcome back to PES Solar/PV On the other hand, when Europe introduced BL: Since the beginning and until 2016 PVmagazine, it’s great to talk with you the photovoltaic panels into the WEEE CYCLE offered different types of solutions,again. For the benefit of our new readers directive, obliging producers to comply with depending on the type of panel and need.would you like to begin by explaining a the obligations of recovery and recycling Indeed, each photovoltaic panel technologylittle about the background of PV CYCLE used equipment, we were already in a has its own peculiarities, composition and/and the importance of the solar/PV position to help deal with this and there was or method of assembly, therefore a singleindustry to you? a rapid deployment of PV CYCLE recycling solution is not possible. throughout Europe.Bertrand Lempkowicz: PV CYCLE was The silicon-based panels, the simplest tobuilt on a voluntary basis, during the very A photovoltaic installation will take treat today, are recycled mechanically: afirst years of the photovoltaic Industry. At the between 2 and 4 years to amortise a succession of grindings and screeningsvery beginning, manufacturers were proud carbon foot print depending on the sun make it possible to separate the fractionsto be able to offer alternative renewable and will continue to produce electricity for and to reinject them in to their differentenergy to fossil and nuclear energy and with 20 or 30 years. channels. Contrary to popular belief, thesegood reason, but as for all types of energy, panels do not contain toxic materials andthe end of life of the equipment must be By the way, if you take a look to the rising are easily recyclable.taken into consideration. curve of the photovoltaic market, the industry is not only ecologically interesting CdTe type panels for example, requirePV CYCLE was founded with PV modules but also financially. chemical treatment in order to separate thein mind, by and for the photovoltaic different layers.Industry, which will now a few years later, PES: Could you tell us which type ofcan propose solutions for efficient companies need customised solutions Energy recovery, using panels as a fuel torecycling built on the experience gained and why? produce energy, is also an availablefrom the first returns of broken, defective solution, although easier to implement, this BL: Any company could need a customised solution is not favoured by PV CYCLE. solution, be it a multinational wishing a shared service throughout many countries, Recently, the refurbishment appears in our the small installer anxious to offer a quality catalogue of options, indeed often, service, but who doesn’t have solutions photovoltaic panels are replaced because nearby, governments or communities who they produce less or sometimes encounter want to set up a collection system, PV moisture problems or micro-crack, today CYCLE can intervene whatever the some of these defects are generally easy need and the customer can safely rely to fix. on our experience. A refurbishment will therefore extend the PES: We are hearing more and more life of a panel and will negate the need for about the dismantling of products, we dismantling. This is the reason why PV would like to know more about the CYCLE works with different companies,94 PES Solar

YOUR GREENCERTIFICATE WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING - REFURBISHMENT - REPAIRINGwww.pvcycle.org 95

ASK THE EXPERTSeach specialised in their respective field contractual membership period, PV CYCLE and a huge background in Europe, we know executes high-quality end-of-life exactly how to work with the legislation inPES: How important is training to management of PV panels at a discounted, place, and actually the legislation helps usPV CYCLE? recycling rate and advantageous purchase a lot. There is no choice for a company who price through our Recycling and wants to sell PV in Europe, they have to beBL: I prefer to talk about education rather Refurbishment Program. compliant with the legislation. PV CYCLEthan training, of course safety is very offers first class waste management andimportant, that’s why procedures exist for Our Global Membership is ideal for recycling services to the waste holder, buthandling and transporting waste, we go international PV players or companies with starting and developing these servicesfurther than procedures, with a much wider projects in multiple countries*. However, means finding new partners, working withrole than simple recycling. We try to when your company is operationally active new legislation, different for each countryeducate people about the need, the issues. in only one country*, simply go for our One but also working hard to help peoplePV CYCLE is also involved in various R & D Country Membership. understand the benefit of recycling, even ifprojects (Cradle-to-Cradle, Eco-Design ...) there is no regulation in place.because research is also part of education. PES: What do you mean when you say PV CYCLE is moving out of its conform PES: What is your outlook on the futurePES: Where do you operate and where zone and why? for the solar/PV industry includingare your key markets and are there are ecologically?any areas, geographically speaking, that BL: We have a strong network of partnersyou would like to work in? BL: I think the vast majority of the world’s population is beginning to understand theBL: Initially based in Brussels, 2 steps away ecological issues we will face in the future,from the European institutions, PV CYCLE at least I hope so. Every day videos andhas been operating all over Europe since photos come to us summing up the2007, the experience gained in this sector consequences of the mistakes of the past, Iand the need for recycling outside Europe, think we all remember the recent video ofled us to look for solutions in the 4 corners turtles smothered by plastic bags, riversof the world, via our different offices based polluted by chemicals dumped byin Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, unscrupulous factories, dying populations.Netherlands, USA, etc. We are now sufficiently informed about theIn 2017, we created Global Membership, an consequences our actions may have. Canoption that allows access to all PV CYCLE we, even should we, talk about greenservices anywhere in the world where the energy, if we don’t take in to considerationneed is. We know that the next challenges the waste produced?will be the USA and Asia, where end-of-lifepanel stocks are accumulating. The photovoltaic industry is booming and it’s a good thing, nuclear will not disappear,PES: Please could you explain to us but it will not be enough to meet thewhat the PV CYCLE Global or One electricity needs for the entire planet. giveCountry Membership is? greater importance to truly renewable energy, it will benefit everyone.BL: Global and One Country Membershipare both an overall guarantee for final www.pvcycle.orgcustomer that the member company has asustainable and responsible solution for allused PV panels, thanks to access to ourprofessional network of collection,transport and treatment. During the valid96 PES Solar

Ÿ Data Gathering on Website Ÿ Generate OrderŸ Interaction with SPT for Ÿ Generate Mounting Plans and results Instructions (Yield, Costs, Revenues) Ÿ Final Project ReportŸ Automatic Creation of Project Ÿ Plan Installation Date, inside SPT on Lead‘s InterestLead Generation Resources and Items & Qualification Order & Fullfillment1 2 34 Your B2C Site / Solar.Pro.Tool B2B Portal User Solar.Pro.Tool/ End Customer Your ERP Ÿ Assessement of Project Ÿ Easy Inputs Ÿ Completion of Project Ÿ Fast Quote Ÿ Automatic Generation of BOM Ÿ Detailed and Complete Project and Project Report Report and Documentation Ÿ Generation of Customer Quote Ÿ Fast and Complete inside SPT Satisfaction Project Completion Ÿ High Level of Trust & Quote ExperienceBenefits of a Digital Value Chain?Reduced Friction = Increased SatisfactionAt Levasoft, we are very aware of the pains our customers However, we see a lot of friction inside our customers‘are going through on a daily basis. daily processes - especially when information needs to beAt first, we wanted to deliver a tool, which reduced the transferred from one system to another.efforts and friction connected with the calculation ofstatics. Being part of a Digital Value Chain does not only reduce friction inside processes, it also opens up new fieldsToday, thausands of users are working with Solar.Pro.Tool for your business.and are naturally consuming the integrated set of features,like statics, inverter layout, simulation, etc. Contact us, to get to know our references and how Solar.Pro.Tool can be part of your Value Chain.Solar.Pro.Tool - The Most Complete AdvancenessLevasoft GmbH | Sterneckstr. 6 | A-9020 Klagenfurt | www.solarprotool.com | +43 720 35 19 20

TALKING POINTBenefits of a digitalvalue chainIt might sound like bringing sand to the beach, but in the PV Digital value chainsector a lot of friction inside business processes is stillaccepted. Looking at business processes in PV, several fields The value chain starts with lead generation,and several players can be identified. We at PES were intrigued a point which is maintained by your websiteby this statement from Stefan Wagner, Head of Marketing & and a point where potential customers mightSales at Levasoft and asked him to expand on this. be served with a first estimation, based on few of their inputs. When interest is raisedWith the exception of the end-customer, all transformation is always a source of errors through pleasing results, being contactedparticipants of a value chain in PV seem to – and doubling the process of manual input, and being presented with a personal quote,accept a lot of friction inside the processes the quota of errors simply increases. their data should be transferred to a leadand thus an extended time-frame in However, and no matter where the lead qualification system, then into CRM.delivering results. originally came from and how the CRM Notifications to partners, planners and the (Customer Relationship Management) interest itself comes into play.Planners satisfied solution may look, substantial information – such as contact data – needs to be The next step probably is lead qualification,When we started the development of Solar. transferred to a planning tool, as it serves followed by entering project planning toPro.Tool in 2010 at Levasoft, we were aware, as the base the information for proper have the BOM and documentation ready tothat there was no integrated solution for project design. Bearing in mind that manual create the quote. With an established digitalproject planners, to design and deliver one input extends the possibility of errors and value chain, there would be no need to startproject with one tool. So, it was clear to us, accepting that manual transfer is a source a blank project, as relevant data – such asthat all demands of project design needed to of friction, a time extending process, project location, roof-type and availablebe covered by features inside Solar.Pro.Tool. automatic transfer from one system (CRM) roof-area (guessed by interest) – wereThis tool still is the only white-label software, to another planning tool is a necessity. entered at the beginning..world-wide to offer this. Project results to fulfilment After completing project design, the BOMNo matter what type of project and no matter must be processed to generate a quote.what needs to be calculated or documented, On the output side, things do not look as Again, a digital and automatic processplanners using Solar.Pro.Tool need no an drastic as on the input side, as only some (background) is desired for quick andadditional software for their project. manual data input is necessary on reliable data. processing the bill of materials andJust one part of the chain covering letter for a quote, for example. All parts of a quote, acceptance of order, invoice and scheduling of installation is aHaving reduced friction during the planning Here, friction can be identified by looking typical ERP task – the last digital assetprocess, we could see how project into occurring and re-occurring processes. inside the value-chain. So, the digitalplanners and customers gained a lot of Fields in this area are quote generation, components of a possible value chain aremomentum. Skilled users can easily design transformation (export) of data into other web-site, CRM, planning tool and ERP.20 to 50 projects per day, which gives an systems and project documentation.enormous yearly number of projects. So, The seamless background datathe next hold-up was identified: the On a process level, the decision for transmission and correct interfaces are thetransformation of leads to projects and the automatisation depends mainly on the link in this digital chain. A value chain likeconversion of projects into orders. number of items in a certain time-frame. If this can be easily scaled, because scaling the measured value is below a defined means traffic and sizing/reliability of theLeads to customers level, automatisation might be questioned. integrated IT systems. However, scaling business should beThe transformation of leads to customers is regarded as a multiplying factor. The substantial fuel to integrate different ITthe first sector of possible friction. Manual systems is the so-called web-service. In a web service, the Web technology such as HTTP, originally designed for human-to- machine communication, is used for machine-to-machine communication, more98 PES Solar

TALKING POINTspecifically for transferring machine-readable processed as planned projects, by and statistics, as every digital value chainfile formats such as XML and JSON. your business partner? might have things in common with many others. However, to gain most potential andToday, web service provides the You see, the cases and opportunities better results, a customised approachopportunity for different software on of increasing the level of commodity needs to be taken, to meet all possibledifferent machines to interact with each are numerous and there are a many desires, constraints and goals.other. Something that was almost different ones.impossible 20 years ago. APIs (Application www.solarprotool.comProgramming Interface) on each side offer Added value through extended servicemethods and functions from the other side. (for the partner) Solar.Pro.ToolAs a technical conclusion, all involved Beside a high level of commodity, which is Solar.Pro.Tool, still the most completesystems must have web-interface to be somehow the door-opener for users to white label planning software world-part of this value chain. adapt to a new technology, when a digital wide, entered the market in 2011. It is a value chain is being established added web-based planning tool for all kinds ofBusiness Partner relationship value should be the background of all project types. One of the unique selling business strategies. points is the calculation of statics andWhile the issue of friction and scaling ballast as a background service.have been looked at above, there are As a matter of fact, we humans are not toosome other benefits, which come with the open to change and not really willing to give Customers of Levasoft can be found ondigital value chain, or can be achieved up a restrictive and passive standpoint – the manufacturers side of mountingwith extra implementation on one of the especially when it comes to new technology, components. For the last couple ofinvolved IT systems. new techniques and new processes. This is years, our customers have been the biggest challenge, apart from the wholesalers, PV-module manufacturersIn relation to commodity level, it would be technical ones, to convince people to and electricity companies.good to look at the user-perspective of a re-adapt their behaviours and traditions.partner, while stepping through the digital Together with Levasoft, several ofvalue chain. Where could a higher level of A kind of revenue should be present to the these customers have alreadyservice lead to a higher level of commodity? user, in a detailed, broad and easily established a digital value chain. These identified manner. Maybe your customers have always been done on a projectThere are plenty of possible points: feel in an insecure, rather than in a secure base. The implementation details and position. So, providing assets to improve specific feature sets are the exclusive• What if the business partner, after being their sense of self, would provide a change property of our customers, as they authenticated at your B2B portal, was of this sense. have been developed entirely for each able to see all of his projects, generated customer. However, Levasoft not only inside the planning part of the value chain. Summary delivers code development, but has the internal understanding of being• What if he/she could just click to order I want to open your mind to ideas, specific consultants to our customers, without the components, processed in the demands and frame conditions. It is just a transferring discreet knowledge from BOM /quote? door I want to open, an invitation to check if one customer to another. and how things on a variety of levels might• What, if leads would be directed straight be improved. to him, based on specific metrics, so as to be instantly and flawlessly I also didn’t want to bore you with figures www.pessolar.com 99

ASK THE EXPERTSWeather and energy datacollection and monitoringat it’s best Martin Schneider, the Managing Director of meteocontrol GmbH and the President of meteocontrol North America, Inc. spoke enthusiastically to PES about the technological advances in monitoring and managing energy and weather data and there are even more exciting developments on the horizon.Martin Schneider Our independent engineering services team information about the behavior of PV has supported projects with a total systems installed on residential rooftops. IPES: Welcome to PES Solar/PV magazine, investment of more than $16 billion. was in the field myself at that time, havingit’s great to talk with you. For the benefit meteocontrol’s services and products to transmit the collected data over analogof our new readers would you like to improve yields and profits for investors, modems and phone lines. Since thenbegin by explaining a little about the project developers, and PV system meteocontrol has participated in severalbackground of meteocontrol? operators world-wide. more government research projects.Martin Schneider: meteocontrol is Our world headquarters are based in PES: meteocontrol recently celebratedrecognized as a world leader in universal Augsburg, Germany and we have offices a 20-year anniversary. Can you tell mePV monitoring with 45,000+ solar plants, located in Australia, Central America, Chile, how meteocontrol’s history is13+ GWp monitored globally, and more China, France, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico significant for today’s consolidatingthan 40 years’ experience in the renewable and North America. monitoring market?energy sector. We offer monitoring energyand weather data management, hardware PES: Please could you tell us why you MS: We were the first to pioneer the idea ofand software, yield reports, quality audits, decided to start your career in the developing an Internet-based monitoringand technical due diligence to support PV solar industry. system, which of course now has becomesystems of all sizes. the standard. This was during a time when MS: My main motivation was the the Internet was very new.meteocontrol’s blue’Log datalogger and environment and to be a part of an industryVCOM Solar Monitoring Platform combine providing energy without CO2 emissions This early start meant we were able toto provide a robust, customizable, and was the main driver. This decision was continuously utilize the advantages. The newscalable solution for utility, commercial, and already clear to me during my study as an technology enabled meteocontrol, anddistributed generation solar portfolios. electrical engineer. meanwhile the entire market, to monitor a large number of PV systems very efficiently I simply wanted to spend my time in a and cost-effectively. Due to this, it was useful way. It was not just about earning possible to improve the yield of the system money and having a job, the motivation was and thereby increase the contribution of very idealistic. And, by the way, during this renewable energy to the total energy demand. time it was not possible to earn good money in this industry. PES: meteocontrol has active markets all over the world. What global The company itself got into the market developments are the most through an R&D project for the German promising this year? Research Ministry in the 1990s. The purpose of which was to collect more MS: There are several upcoming markets,100 PES Solar