GP Solar presents the GP WIS 2.0 a fully-integrated complete quality control system for solar wafers at the leading Asian photovoltaics trade fair, SNEC 2012 PV Technology in Shanghai.
The system’s central automation unit forms the basis for integrating all of the measuring systems necessary for modern wafer inspection. The unit’s 3-D roughness measuring system for the entire wafer surface, in combination with the world’s leading microcrack detection technology is a global first. All of the measuring procedures set new standards in precision and deliver up to 30 times greater resolution at a throughput rate of more than 3,600 wafers per hour.
The GP WIS 2.0 is equipped with conveyor belts which enable reliable on-the-fly measuring and high throughput while at the same time minimizing conveyance loads on the wafers. All of the accessories required to perform comprehensive wafer inspection can be custom-integrated into the automation unit.
The compact system delivers precise inspection results with regard to saw marks, thickness and resistance measurements, along with 100% detection of microcracks. Determining all of the necessary wafer quality data can save significant manufacturing costs of more than 300.000 euros per year.
The machine interface is intuitive and, in addition to controlling the device and setting the inspection units, displays classification results and statistics. All of the measured quantities and results are displayed on an easy-to-read and well laid out (24 inch) vertical touchscreen.
Once the inspection is complete, wafers are sorted into various quality classes with an optionally available sorting unit.
“Wafer quality is increasingly the focus of efforts to increase efficiency in solar cells. A thoroughgoing check of every essential wafer characteristic is the best basis for implementing these efficiency improvements in the production line,” says Dr Eric Rüland, managing director of GP Solar.
In addition to this device, the recently introduced GP STAB.TEST .Pro (see press release dated 8 May 2012) for testing wafer and cell stability will be presented live at the trade fair.
Booth information GP Solar at SNEC PV Power Expo 2012
New International Expo Center, Hall E3, Booth 510
About GP Solar GmbH
GP Solar is a global provider of inspection systems, consumables, and technological consulting services for the photovoltaic industry. Since 1999 the company has been supplying and advising its clients in the solar cell and module manufacturing industries from its headquarters in Konstanz on Lake Constance. In 2011 the company’s total operating performance was about 30 million euros. GP Solar is part of the centrotherm photovoltaics group and does business throughout the world with some 130 personnel. In addition to the headquarters, the service center and the R&D center in Germany, there are local teams in Taiwan, USA, India, Korea, China, Singapore and Japan.
