In a pilot project with PV Lab Germany and Innotech Solar, DB Schenker Logistics has now integrated quality testing of PV modules into the supply chain. By doing so, the logistics services provider ensures that delivery quality is consistently high.
The Innotech Solar modules are tested in Schenker Deutschland AG's logistics center in Hilden by the company's own employees in a special testing facility set up by PV Lab. Data analysis takes place in PV Lab's laboratory in Potsdam. This ensures that quality assurance is both professional and independent. Using electroluminescence analysis, quality defects in cell and module processing are detected early on prior to delivery. This helps prevent costly complaints and exchanges. The project is coordinated by DB Schenker Logistics in Leipzig.
"What's new in this concept is the idea of integrating the review process after transportation by vessel into the entire supply chain, from the overseas manufacturer to delivery in Germany", explains Joachim Marxer, Vice-President, Global Vertical Market Semiconductor/Solar, Schenker AG. "Quality assurance takes place at the optimal point in time with little effort. With this new solution we are contributing to making the use of solar energy through photovoltaics even more effective, and are further expanding our position in this important market." It is currently being reviewed whether to offer this service at other locations as well.
Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Arp, CEO at PV Lab Germany, sees further possibilities beyond the project for improved quality assurance: "There are other testing routines that we can incorporate into the logistics process. Ideally, quality assurance should be seamlessly integrated into the logistics and production process, in order not to affect the tight time and cost schedules in project business.”
The project enables Innotech Solar to provide customers with a high level of quality assurance and transparency. The electroluminescence analysis makes it possible to detect microscopic cracks in solar cells. In addition, there are a variety of wafer and cell defects that can be detected using this method.
Quality management is of paramount importance to ITS as the Norwegian company buys non-prime solar cells directly from cell manufacturers and uses industrial processes to neutralize electrical defects. Innotech Solar is also one of the few manufacturers to make thermal images of each individual cell. The new concept is the logical continuation of ITS' quality management at the module level.
PV Lab Germany GmbH runs a test laboratory for photovoltaic modules in Potsdam. The company carries out independent quality assurance for its customers on four continents. For PV Lab, quality assurance begins with the technical specification of the products in the sales contract, followed by production monitoring and random testing on delivery as well as inspection prior to warranty expiration.
The Innotech Solar Group is a solar technology company and an international provider of PV modules. The company specializes in the analysis and optimization of solar cells using industrial processes developed by its own research teams. Innotech Solar examines, sorts and optimizes more different-brand cells than any other cell or module provider in the world. Its production sites are located in Norway, Sweden, Germany and China.
With nearly 59,000 employees and sales totaling 14.3 billion euros, the Logistics Business Unit of DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading service providers in this industry. DB Schenker Logistics offers European land transport, worldwide air and ocean freight, as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management from a single source.
ITS will be present at the Intersolar trade fair between 8 and 10 June 2011, New Munich Trade Fair, Hall A1, booth 320; PV Lab in Hall B6, booth 635; DB Schenker Logistics in Hall A5, booth 570.