Plant Applications
Solar panel manufacturer achieves
visibility, control with software suite
Situation
HelioVolt, based in Austin, Texas, is
a new company that produces thin-film solar PV modules for commercial
rooftop, utility-scale ground mount,
residential, BIPV, and custom installations. The copper indium gallium
selenide (CIGS)-based solar modules
reduce the amount of light-absorbing
material required to create a solar
cell.
The company was looking for a
software system that would be easily
replicated in new plants, but it also
needed a system to scale data storage for up to 30 years to satisfy warranty requirements. In addition, high-volume manufacturing was essential
to drive cost down while maintaining
quality.
Because of tight project deadline
requirements for some of its investors, the company required a turnkey
system supported by rapid implementation services.
Resolution
The company decided to implement
the Proficy® software suite from GE
Intelligent Platforms in its new manu-
facturing plant. The system is made
up of five core elements of the suite,
providing the company with redundancy,
data security, reliable information, and
control of every aspect of operations
through access to critical data.
