Technology Request

Ref: 07 IT LADA 0HWT

Date: 06/05/2007 23:33:14

Title: Innovative solutions for assembling and producing photovoltaic modules

Abstract: An Italian company involved in the production of photovoltaic modules is looking for technological and commercial partners for development of innovative machines to be inserted in the production line. Technological, manufacturing and commercial agreements with technical assistance are sought.

Description: The productive line for assembling photovoltaic modules is constituted by different phases. Typically the process foresees an initial selection of solar cells, followed by the welding of cells through a metallic ribbon in order to compose arrays. In the subsequent phase, all arrays are connected in order to constitute the modules. A control is particularly required at this point in order to check, repair and substitute broken cells. The module is entrapped between a glass layer, an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) layer and a PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) layer in order to constitute a “sandwich” (glass/EVA/cells/PVF). The sandwich is sent to the lamination phase where a thermal cycle gives stability and resistance to the sandwich so made, which becomes a single body. The laminate is inspected and prepared to the framing phase. After the frame is placed, the box for electric connections is fixed to the module. Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements: The Italian company is interested in getting in contact with foreign industries, which are involved in the design and in the production of photovoltaic modules. Technical co-operation, manufacturing and commercial agreement with technical assistance are sought in order to develop innovative automatic machines, which could provide more efficiency in assembling modules.