© IBC SOLAR 2013

CHANGING THE WORLD WITH COMPELLING IDEASQuality is neccessary, but how can it be achieved?

, Britta Späth, Director Quality Assurance, 01.03.2013

1 © IBC SOLAR 2013

It all begins with a data sheet,

A certificate

And whole a lot of enthusiasm!

Challenge: Do the used materials matchthe certified materials?

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

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?

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?

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 statisticallycredible values at manageable costs?

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

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?

6 © IBC SOLAR 2013

Performance checks („flashing tests“)

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

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?

8 © IBC SOLAR 2013

Testing: laminate and soldering quality

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

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

10 © IBC SOLAR 2013

Yield test using the in-house testing system of IBC SOLAR

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

11 © IBC SOLAR 2013

Implementation of a second party audit in collaboration with SGS-TÜV

Quality is given, but how is it achieved?

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?

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?

© IBC SOLAR 2013

IBC SOLAR AGAm Hochgericht 1096231 Bad Staffelsteinwww.ibc-solar.com

Britta Späth, Director Quality AssuranceBritta.Spaeth@ibc-solar.deTel. +49 (0) 95 73-92 24 840Fax +49 (0) 95 73-92 24 809