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.”
