A Texas maker of next-generation solar film has signed up to use General Electric’s software to control the manufacture of low cost but efficient photovoltaic cells.
HelioVolt, of Austin, Texas, has implemented GE Intelligent Platforms’ Proficy software run its manufacturing processes. The cost of the turnkey software package wasn’t disclosed.
HelioVolt is producing thin film solar photovoltaic modules for household and commercial rooftops, utility-plant sites, and custom installations.
It is the first thin-film company combining high-efficiency products with low-cost manufacturing capabilities to create a new generation of copper-indium-gallium-selenide-based solar modules.
Thin film technology cuts the volume of light-absorbing material required to create a solar cell, cutting the cost of processing the materials.
