First Solar devices vendor LPKF Laser keeping manufacturing in spite of COVID-19 situation

• Germany-based LPKF Laser & Electronics AG has actually informed PV Tech that its factory in Germany have the ability to run at regular capability degrees, in spite of the ongoing effect of COVID-19.

LPKF Laser is a crucial devices provider to 'Solar Module Super League' (SMSL) participant, First Solar as it moves as well as includes brand-new Series 6 CdTe thin-film module ability. The vendor offers First Solar with sophisticated laser scribing devices throughout the SMSL's factory in the United States, Malaysia and also Vietnam.

The tools distributor informed PV Tech that the firm had actually carried out actions to safeguard its staff members.

"Our manufacturing whatsoever websites, consisting of the production of Laser Scribers in Suhl [Germany], remains to go for regular capability. We have actually taken comprehensive procedures to shield our workers as well as to stop closing manufacturing," a representative informed PV Tech.

The business has numerous making plants in Germany with a worldwide solution network in Europe, USA as well as Asia, consisting of China as well as uses around 688 individuals.

LPKF Laser lately reported that its solar industry earnings got to a document EUR44.1 million in 2019, up 13% year-on-year as well as represented 31.5% of complete sales in 2019.

The rise in LPKF Laser's solar sales is straight connected to First Solar's ramp of Series 6 components. The business reported in February 2020 that its Series 6 nameplate capability got to 5.5 GW at the end of 2019. The firm accomplished a leading module manufacturing container of 435W as well as a document 447W Series 6 module, confirmed by Fraunhofer.

The production movement strategies in 2020 are anticipated to result a in additional 500MW of Series 6 nameplate capability and also an additional 1.3 GW included 2021, offering First Solar an overall Series 6 nameplate capability of 8GW.

With LPKF Laser's success with supplying innovation for all scribe actions for large-area CdTe slim movie components, the business has actually introduced a full service for CIGS components, which the firm stated that it anticipated its item as well as innovation offering to be certified by a consumer in 2020.