2010 has been a tricky year for every industry, worldwide. Here in the solar market, we’re perhaps among the lucky few who are cushioned by an extremely strong industry that was always going to be poised for a speedy recovery. Here at DEK Solar, we’ve certainly seen this in action; we’re pleased to report that our business - and those of our customers - have grown from strength to strength.
But, as we reflect on a positive 2010, it’s clear to see that this success has been down to more than an increasingly robust marketplace. It’s also been driven by the launch of a pioneering new photovoltaic metallization platform, increased manufacturing capacity and continual innovation across the business to meet customer challenges.
One of the main challenges facing the solar industry in 2010 was cell efficiency. And, since grid parity is the holy grail of solar cell production, I predict that this issue will continue to dominate through 2011 and beyond. For example, we’ve seen increasing interest in our Print-on-Print processes, enabling cell manufacturers to print higher, narrower collector grid features onto the front of solar cells to deliver the high efficiency energy conversion capabilities key to future success.
Going forward, cell producers must respond to increasing demand quickly – which means that equipment must facilitate easy and quick scale-up, without impacting heavily on factory floor space. Our breakthrough new Eclipse metallization platform addresses this need and will continue to do so through continued development over the next year.
To get more desirable products from the end of the line – products that convert more sunlight for example – there is a real need for higher levels of throughput and yield – without compromise. Essentially, as we move into 2011, we’re seeing a real demand for innovation in both process technology and equipment technology, all backed by the experience and knowledge necessary to minimise downtime.
There is recognition of the need for more sophisticated equipment with high functionality options. Fortunately, with extensive screen printing experience and in-house screen and stencil design and manufacture expertise, we are well placed to help today’s solar cell manufacturers achieve ever-complex goals. We’re looking forward to the challenges of 2011!
We wish you an extremely happy Christmas and a prosperous 2011. Thanks for your support this year; I’ll see you in the New Year!
- Darren Brown, DEK Solar Alternative Energy Business Manager
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