NanoFocus AG receives Intersolar Award

µsurf solar 2.0 wins in the category PV Production Technology

The new generation of the µsurf solar measurement system by NanoFocus AG, a specialist for optical 3D surface measurement technology, has won the internationally coveted Intersolar Award in the category PV Production Technology. The business solution for the solar industry was awarded for enabling optimal quality assurance in the production and research of solar cells. The Intersolar Award honors groundbreaking products and services by companies and institutions within the solar industry. The prize was awarded on 8th June during the Intersolar, the world’s largest solar trade show, in Munich.

Exact adaptation to the requirements of the industry

The µsurf solar was honored for its speed, reliability and high precision, which allow for optimal quality assurance and process control in the production and research of solar cells. The versatility of this 3D non-contact surface measurement system, with regards to the requirements of the solar industry, was also a convincing factor for the panel of judges. Using their patented confocal technology, the flexibility of µsurf solar allows all measurement tasks on mono- and polycrystalline solar cells to be performed with nanometer accuracy – from the analysis of structured surfaces, to measurements of solar fingers and isolation channels. A newly developed multi-color LED-module uses different wave-lengths of light, enabling optimal surface measurements of different types of solar cells. The integrated software is equipped with industry-specific algorithms and various automation functions. DIN EN ISO conforming roughness measurements and repeatable 3D measurement data are available within a few seconds. Positioning tables are available up to the meter range which is required to measure whole solar modules.

Long term experience in the photovoltaic industry

The µsurf solar was introduced to the market in 2009 and has since been continuously optimized and developed further. The know-how of many years of collaborating with customers operating within the solar industry was incorporated in the development of the new generation of the measurement system. In the PV-industry, the improvement of quality and efficiency of solar cells are crucial aspects. Leading solar producers and suppliers, therefore, use the 3D surface measurement technology of NanoFocus in their development, production and quality assurance processes. “We are very happy to receive the Intersolar Award. The prize confirms that our measurement systems significantly support the development and innovations of the solar industry,” says Jürgen Valentin, CTO and board spokesman of NanoFocus AG. “We intend to continue our close cooperation with customers from the PV industry in the future, to provide robust measurement and analysis solutions to the market.”

The Intersolar Award pays tribute to the innovative strength of the solar branch and honors new developments as well as significant improvement of products. This year, the number of eligible participants was broadened and now includes over 3,000 companies, making this year’s Intersolar Award the most internationally coveted prize in the solar industry.