Meyer Burger’s pioneering SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) to play a key role in REC Group’s cutting-edge high efficiency solar module technology REC Group has awarded Meyer Burger a contract for the delivery and installation of its next generation SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) as the manufacturing basis for its newest high efficiency solar modules.
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) today announced the successful conclusion of an important contract with REC Group, the largest European brand for solar panels, for its innovative SWCT™ platform. Working together in close collaboration, Meyer Burger will deliver and install the SWCT™ manufacturing equipment beginning in second quarter of 2018 at REC’s production facility located in Singapore.
SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) – the natural evolution in cell connection technology
Meyer Burger’s ground-breaking SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT™) drives the energy output of solar modules to the next level beyond the limitations of standard busbar technologies. Silver paste consumption is the second highest material cost factor in solar module manufacturing. SWCT™ employs an innovative foil-wire electrode with up to 24 perfectly aligned wires to connect solar cells. This reduces silver consumption per heterojunction solar module by up to 75% and per PERC/PERT solar module by up to 65% which in turn reduces production costs for solar module manufacturers. The resulting dense wire contact matrix enables SWCT™ modules to easily cope with the increased power extraction necessary for todays’ high efficiency solar cells thereby delivering an increased performance yield in SWCT™ solar modules. The low thermal approach for SWCT™ encapsulation also prevents the thermal stress which impacts soldered multi-wire solar cell strings. The resulting structure of a SWCT™ module significantly strengthens its stability and enhances its lifetime. This powerful combination of higher energy yield, longer module lifetime and lower manufacturing costs make SWCT™ the most cost effective method of connecting both mono- and multicrystalline solar cells on the market today.
Steve O’Neil, CEO of REC Group commented: “As throughout our 21-year history, we are committed to continuously advancing the efficiency of solar panel technology. The REC brand is well respected for its technology leadership, demonstrated by our latest product launches with world-record breaking power and recognized by three awards in 2017. With the implementation of Meyer Burger’s innovative SmartWire Connection technology to connect our ground-breaking combination of new cell technologies, we can further significantly increase the power level of our next generation high efficiency PV modules. This is another step towards lowering the levelized cost of solar PV energy.”
Hans Brändle, CEO of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd adds: “Our pioneering SmartWire Connection Technology delivers a quantum leap in solar module manufacturing technology and clearly demonstrates Meyer Burger’s leadership in driving the technology roadmap in key areas of the PV industry. We are proud of our close partnerhship with REC which is one of the most renowned international brands for solar modules. Their choice of our cutting-edge SWCT™ technology represents an important industry and technological milestone for us.”
Contacts:
Ingrid Carstensen
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +41 (0)33 221 28 34
ingrid.carstensen@meyerburger.com
Daniel Eicher
c/o Tolxdorff Eicher Häberling
Phone: +41 (0)33 221 28 83
daniel.eicher@meyerburger.com
About Meyer Burger Technology Ltd
www.meyerburger.com
Meyer Burger is a leading global technology company specialising on innovative systems and processes based on semiconductor technologies. The company’s focus is on photovoltaics (solar industry) while its competencies and technologies also cover important areas of the semiconductor and the optoelectronic industries as well as other selected high-end markets based on semiconductor materials. Over the past ten years, Meyer Burger has risen to the forefront of the photovoltaic market and established itself as an international premium brand by offering superior precision products and innovative technologies.
Meyer Burger’s offering in systems, production equipment and services along the photovoltaic value chain includes the manufacturing processes for wafers, solar cells, solar modules and solar systems. Meyer Burger provides substantial added value to its customers and clearly differentiates itself from its competitors by focusing on core technologies of the value chain.
The company’s comprehensive product portfolio is complemented by a worldwide service network with spare parts, consumables, process know-how, customer support, after-sales services, training and other services. Meyer Burger is represented in Europe, Asia and North America in the respective key markets and has subsidiaries and own service centres in China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and the USA. The company is also working intensively to develop new markets such as South America, Africa and the Arab region. The registered shares of Meyer Burger Technology Ltd are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (Ticker: MBTN).
About REC Group
Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is a leading vertically integrated solar energy company. Through integrated manufacturing from silicon to wafers, cells, high-quality panels and extending to solar solutions, REC Group provides the world with a reliable source of clean energy. REC’s renowned product quality is supported by the lowest warranty claims rate in the industry. REC Group is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and operational headquarters in Singapore. REC Group employs more than 2,000 people worldwide, producing 1.4 GW of solar panels annually. Find out more at www.recgroup.com
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