In January of 2012, Upsolar launched its technology division to offer testing, consulting and inspection services to other PV companies. Here, the company’s Deputy General Manager of the Technology Division, Natasha Lee, discusses her vision for the new division and how Upsolar’s technical capabilities will realise benefits across the industry.
PES: Welcome back to the magazine. The last time we spoke, we discussed the ways the company defines innovation. How are you continuing that focus this year?
Natasha Lee: In 2012, Upsolar is building value for the industry as a whole by leveraging the expertise of our Technical Department. Since the creation of the Upsolar Group, we have been building our core competencies around product reliability research, new product design, worldwide manufacturing platform development and online/offline quality control.
We’ve accumulated years of experience in testing and manufacturing process optimisation, and we’re now offering this expertise to third parties through this re-imagined Technology Division. Upsolar’s global team is defined by its top-notch resources, from our research and development staff to quality control to tech support. By offering these services together through this platform, we can provide to the local PV market a one-stop shop for testing and consultation services.
Our technology division focuses on four core services: component testing, module testing, PV plant performance auditing and technical consultation to reduce costs, reduce lead time and increase quality in manufacturing processes.
Our goal is to assist PV manufacturers throughout the region in improving product offerings to accelerate the expansion of their businesses. At the same time, we’d like to develop a larger base of potential manufacturing partners that can meet Upsolar’s quality and technical requirements.
PES: We don’t generally see PV module manufacturers venture into technical services. Why did you decide to take this route?
