registration is particularly important in the solar panel lamination process so film is properly aligned onto the photovoltaic cells. Using Siemens STEP 7 software , only one program is needed for PLC and motion control, making configuration and programming significantly easier and faster.

The processor in the solar panel assembly machine has motion control functions integrated into the CPU that guide four servo axes to position the film. It allows the process to run at high speeds without a separate motion controller. Accurate registration of the film is achieved using the built-in geared synchronous motion and measuring probe functions of the 317T PLC. Siemens solution provider, DMC, Inc., installed the control system at the manufacturer’s facility near Chicago and the machine now resides in the photovoltaic panel plant in Europe.

SEPA’s Taylor has calculated from public announcements of utilities that 2,500 MW of electric generation from photovoltaic panels is projected for manufacture in the next five years. With utilities and large commercial enterprises such as Wal-Mart looking at adding solar generating equipment, the demand for these Siemens controlled assembly machines should be sky high.

For more information on Siemens Solar Industry Solutions, please click here .