Module trends and technologies: Cast Mono

The photovoltaic market has increased significantly over the last decade. In 2015, the annual PV installation was over 50 GW and the solar cells made with Multi Crystalline Silicon (mc-Si) had a market share of nearly 60 %. This year, however, the majority of European countries noticed a significant switch to Mono Crystalline Silicon with ratios of ~70 % in comparison to 30 % mc-Si. Regardless of the technology, one aspect is absolutely clear: the market is still going the direction where customers worldwide require higher efficiencies. The prices, however, have to stabilise or should get lower. By fulling this demand, cell and solar module producers are required to provide a solution to offer higher efficiencies at the same or lower level of prizing. In Sep 2018 we introduced you to our new module technologies which includes Half Cell, Multi Busbar or optimized cell connector like LRF. This time we want to take a closer look the Cast Mono technology.  (more…)

A visit to the IBC SOLAR test facility IV: bifacial test systems

A walk through our test facility allows you to immerse yourself in the history of photovoltaics. Many previous generation modules , some already now a decade and a half old, show how technology has advanced. In our blog series, guest author and product manager René Schüler presents special test objects and reports in our latest contribution together with Manuel Baier about the latest system at our facility. In addition to the previous crystalline poly- and mono- solar modules, so-called bifacial modules have now also been inspected at the open-space test facility. (more…)

Our company founder having a conversation on “The Business Debate”

The young generation lead the way and are sending out a statement – they are committed to climate protection and want to prevent climate change and its effects. But also within the rest of the population, the green movement is growing and people are willing to make a step towards renewable energy, like using photovoltaic. This also makes the media listen up.

IBC SOLAR founder and CEO Udo Möhrstedt visited ZDF presenter Ralph Szepanski in Frankfurt and answered questions on the TV programme “The Business Debate” (welt.de) regarding “Using photovoltaics in a clean future”. Here, our CEO explains why a PV system pays off both in the commercial and residential sectors, how an energy management system works and what needs to happen in order to achieve our climate goals. Click here for the video .(more…)

“Mounting systems” blog series part 8: design – when the visual appearance matters

When photovoltaics originated homeowners decided to use solar energy and install their own PV roof system with the conviction of sustainable and green power generation. Little attention was paid to the appearance or design of the PV system. However, thanks to continuously reduced prices of photovoltaic systems in recent years, a change has now occurred. PV systems should no longer only be sustainable and renewable, but should also be elegant in design and visually appealing. As a result, more and more products are being launched on the market for modules as well as mounting systems to meet this demand, such as the IBC TopFix 200 insertion system.(more…)

“Mounting systems” blog series part 7: Flat roof – safety – How many guardian angels have we already used?

Flat roofs are still of high relevance when it comes to the installation of PV systems. As already explained in previews articles of this blog series, the usage of roofs will change from not-used to used as soon as a PV system is installed. This results in a potential danger that previously safe work paths are now blocked. Therefore, the risk analysis has changed which particularly effects necessary work on roofs. In this sense, it may happen that paths for roof work, for example for the maintenance and servicing of water pipes or climate or ventilation systems which are now within  fall hazard areas. In such cases, a safe working condition within this area is important. System operators as well as designated companies are in charge of the responsibility to create a risk analysis.(more…)