News Article
SoloPower to deploy CM systems to ramp up production
cmNavigo will support SoloPower’s move from development to mass production of CIGS modules in San Jose and Portland
Critical Manufacturing (CM) will provide SoloPower with its cmNavigo MES Productivity Suite software solution.
CM will implement a Manufacturing Execution System and Equipment Integration program, in SoloPower's existing CIGS facility in San Jose, California and in its Portland, Oregon facility. The latter plant is expected to begin high-volume production later this year.
SoloPower seeks to make solar power possible on any rooftop in the world. The company employs a proprietary manufacturing technology to produce low-cost, high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells and modules. The firm says it currently holds the record on module aperture efficiency for flexible CIGS based modules, officially measured at 13.4 % by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The cells are packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight CIGS solar modules which require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional silicon solar panels. SoloPower’s operations in Portland are ultimately expected to have a capacity of 400 MW and employ 450 people.
“After developing the process in our demonstration line, the challenge was to introduce the proper equipment and automation to move to large scale manufacturing with high product repeatability while controlling costs.” points out Ayush Jain, Director of IT for SoloPower.
“It was clear that timely production information through automated data collection, advanced reporting and enforced manufacturing protocols were an absolute requirement for a successful technology transfer into production. cmNavigo MES had the modelling flexibility, and represented the best match for our needs. Critical Manufacturing’s product and the people working on this project exceeded our expectations” he adds.
cmNavigo Manufacturing Productivity software was developed from the ground up on Microsoft technologies, providing extensive out-of-the-box functionality and lower cost of ownership.
The system is completely scalable making it ideal from small R&D environments to large-scale high volume production facilities. A full range of MES capabilities facilitate increased control, visibility and productivity for manufacturers seeking higher profitability and a competitive edge.
“cmNavigo supports SoloPower’s innovative technology and use of automation to reduce costs, increase efficiency and maintain high quality,” comments Jeff Peabody, Critical Manufacturing’s VP and acting Managing Director for North America.
”SoloPower has an aggressive schedule, complex environment and large quantities of data to be monitored. It’s an ideal application for cmNavigo and the wide array of MES modules will allow them to minimise the total number of software solutions supporting the manufacturing operations.”
