Solar energy production technology

Key position of engineering for application of solar technologies

In view of the finite supplies of fossil fuels, the gradual ending of the oil era and the accompanying high prices of energy, engineering has gained a key position in terms of the development and the supply of new technologies in the photovoltaics sector.

The area of engineering also provided a decisive basis for the quantum leap in manufacturing during the ‘stone age’ of photovoltaics: The step from manual-based working practices to industrially-automated production.

Engineering is providing impulses in the dispersal of solar technology

Studies document the increasing key role that is being played by engineering in reducing the costs along the PV value added chain, since among all of the alternative energies, photovoltaics remains the furthest away from achieving economic competitiveness.

For the photovoltaics sector, the research shows that a doubling of production and/or of the installed PV capacity leads to an overall cost reduction of 20%. In the short term, the PV value added chain holds a potential for optimisation which appears realisable over the course of the years to come.

glasstec and solarpeq: production technology demonstrates possibilities for significant cost reductions

A current study by DB Research forecasts that engineering will facilitate a significant reduction in costs within the photovoltaics sector in the future. In this context, the following points in particular are to be highlighted which innovative exhibitors are presenting at glasstec:

1. Engineering means that a lower use of materials is possible as well as higher levels of efficiency and more simple manufacturing methods


2. Engineering plays a key role in the optimisation of the production technology. The goals in this context are strengthened automation, faster throughputs, higher levels of output through less breakage, increasing efficiency and quality, and reduced process-costs


3. Engineering provides the conditions for mass production which also brings positive scale effects in the area of manufacturing and lower unit costs. In addition to this, the larger volumes facilitate superior purchase prices and financing conditions

The glasstec is traditionally strong in the areas of glass machinery and production technology. Machinery and systems builders present the latest technologies and solutions over approximately 50% of the total area of 73,000 sq. m. (net) in 2008. At the same time, more than 160 companies in the solar sector – primarily from the area of machines and equipment manufactuters – present solutions on the cost-optimised PV value added chain
- All exhibitors of glasstec 2008 - Topic Solar at a glance

The area of PV production technology was also a core theme at the accompanying specialist symposium.
- For details please refer to the GTL programme