Plant Applications: Solar panel manufacturer achieves visibility, control with software suite

August 1, 2010

Situation

HelioVolt, based in Austin, Texas, is a new company that produces thin-film solar PV modules for commercial rooftop, utility-scale ground mount, residential, BIPV, and custom installations. The copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-based solar modules reduce the amount of light-absorbing material required to create a solar cell.

The company was looking for a software system that would be easily replicated in new plants, but it also needed a system to scale data storage for up to 30 years to satisfy warranty requirements. In addition, high-volume manufacturing was essential to drive cost down while maintaining quality.

Because of tight project deadline requirements for some of its investors, the company required a turnkey system supported by rapid implementation services.

Resolution

The company decided to implement the Proficy® software suite from GE Intelligent Platforms in its new manufacturing plant. The system is made up of five core elements of the suite, providing the company with redundancy, data security, reliable information, and control of every aspect of operations through access to critical data.

With the system’s web-based visualization and real-time analytics, operators can increase efficiency and optimize production processes in real time.

“Our automated and fully integrated manufacturing proc-ess, from substrate to final module assembly and test, allows us to reach high manufacturing efficiencies and low costs,” said Iga Hallberg, vice president of business development for HelioVolt. “The [software] can help us to keep plant yield and throughput high, as well as ensure quality.”

GE Intelligent Platforms, 2500 Austin Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22911, 800-433-2682, info@ge-ip.com,
www.ge-ip.com