Energy without end
Solar power
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in the United States is expecting additions to existing generating capacities to double in 2010. Thus newly installed photovoltaic capacity in the U.S.A. could, for the first time, reach the one-gigawatt milestone.
The most recent amendments to the Renewable Energy Act have amplified this pressure. To cover the anticipated rise in demand and to master the associated start of high-volume production, the industry will need standardized, automated production processes. These will make a decisive contribution to manufacturing photovoltaic modules at an attractive price, of high quality and in sufficient quantities (also see here). The globalization of capacities requires, in addition, international standardization and thoroughgoing automation with increased use of in-line processes. The world market for photovoltaic panel manufacturing equipment is itself growing. According to IMS Research, a specialist in market appraisals, the rise was from five billion dollars in 2008 to nine billion dollars in 2013.
A dedicated team of Rexroth solar specialists brings together application know-how for controls, electrical drives, pneumatic systems and mechatronics. Working all along the value creation chain, the team supports machine manufacturers, system engineers and makers of photovoltaic panels. It provides comprehensive automation consulting and can draw upon development capacities around the world. In so doing the experts can select from all the automation modules made by Rexroth. That range already includes a large number of products and solutions developed especially for the solar industry. This makes possible end-to-end solutions including the transfer, handling and positioning phases. The modular design of the systems lets the solutions keep pace with ongoing development in manufacturing techniques.