Inventory still high
Lead times: The trend towards lower purchasing lead times is ebbing, but has not yet reversed. Distributors expect inventories to peak in Q2 2011.
Its all about quality
Process and quality management systems: Factory-wide automation of process and quality control is an emerging trend in PV fabs around the world. Driving the trend is the need to improve yield, produce higher efficiency cells more consistently, and cut manufacturing costs.
Learning from the test
PV+Test: Module tests help you choose modules. On the one hand, manufacturers like that. On the other hand, they fear it. Andreas Cox, test engineer at TÜV Rheinland, reports on the reactions.
No more flying blind
Yield forecasts: Recently experts have been able to precisely predict just how much solar electricity transmission system operators will be able to reckon with the next day. This represents an important step toward better integration of photovoltaic plants into the electricity grid.
Optimum optics
Optical inspection systems for cell production (inline): These systems work without contact, are quick and can provide vital information to solar producers. Despite the prowess these systems have, there are still certain issues in need of rectification. How does one assess these systems?
