1. © IBC SOLAR 2013
CHANGING THE WORLD WITH COMPELLING IDEAS
Quality is neccessary, but how can it be achieved?
, Britta Späth, Director Quality Assurance, 01.03.2013

2. 1 © IBC SOLAR 2013
It all begins with a data sheet,
A certificate
And whole a lot of enthusiasm!
Challenge: Do the used materials match
the certified materials?
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

3. 2 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Development continues: specification
Currently includes:
- Electrical parameters
- Mechanical parameters
- Materials used
- Packaging specifications
- Specification of flash data
- And much more…
Module specification currently has more than 65 data points without illustrations or images.
Continuous development of additional requirements.
Future regulations are considered (ROHS, Reach,…)
Next challenge: How can we determine the arrangement of materials in detail?
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

4. 3 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Inclusion of quality criteria
Agreement on production details
- Mechanical data
- Tolerances regarding length, width and diagonal
dimensions
- Miter gap
- Cell positioning
- Laminate
- Permissible bubble size
- Ripples in the Tedlar
- Silicone residue
- Scratches on glass or back side
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

5. 4 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Inclusion of quality criteria
- Agreement on production details
- Cells
- Small disruptions on corners/ edges
- Variations in reflection coating
- Screen print disruptions
- And much more
Challenge: How can we ensure a systematic inspection regime for recording statistically
credible values at manageable costs?
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

6. 5 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Development of an incoming goods inspection system in accordance to DIN ISO 2859-1
- Defining an acceptable quality level (AQL)
- The AQL defines the acceptable number of differing products within a single lot.
- Determination of varying lot sizes
- Container, transport truck
- Assigning of the right inspection level
- Incorporating of the available preliminary
information
- Result leads to sampling instruction
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

7. 6 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Performance checks („flashing tests“)
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

8. 7 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Electroluminescence (EL) measurement
- Localization of micro cracks
- Analysis of transport damages
- Evaluation of packaging concepts
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

9. 8 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Testing: laminate and soldering quality
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

10. 9 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Testing laminate quality
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?
Delamination as a result of DHT
Corrosion of string connectors Bubble formations on back side

11. 10 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Yield test using the in-house testing system of IBC SOLAR
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

12. 11 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Implementation of a second party audit in collaboration with SGS-TÜV
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

13. 12 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Initiating a second party audit in collaboration with SGS-TÜV GmbH
- 1. General impression of the company:
The “General Impression of the Company” category deals mostly with the overall
cleanliness of the production environment in addition to work safety and environmental
protection issues.
- 2. Data availability and IT security:
The IT system of the audited company is inspected in this category. Access to warranty-
related data is also checked, among other things.
- 3. Suitability of production equipment:
This comprehensive inspection program analyzes how suitable the production chain is
for the task of manufacturing products with a long service life. Thanks to the experience
we have gained as a system provider since 1982, IBC Solar is able to identify and
remove all the weak points that can arise in the production line.
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

14. 13 © IBC SOLAR 2013
Initiating a second party audit in conjunction with SGS-TÜV GmbH
- 4. Production check:
At this point of the audit the method used for testing the individual components, sub-
products and end-products throughout the production chain is evaluated.
- 5. Quality management:
At this stage the manufacturer must verify the company structures that guarantee access
to quality assurance in production. In addition, the knowledge of employees regarding
quality issues is evaluated along with their ability to identify quality deficiencies.
- 6. Employee qualification:
This part of the audit deals with how well trained each employee is. The audited
company must provide written evidence regarding the instruction and training of
individual work steps and machinery maintenance.
Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

15. © IBC SOLAR 2013
IBC SOLAR AG
Am Hochgericht 10
96231 Bad Staffelstein
www.ibc-solar.com
Britta Späth, Director Quality Assurance
Britta.Spaeth@ibc-solar.de
Tel. +49 (0) 95 73-92 24 840
Fax +49 (0) 95 73-92 24 809