From silicon to wafer, from the solar cell to the Solar Power Module – we control and check processes, products and the quality in each individual manufacturing step. For our customers this means the highest efficiency in each area of the value chain, good mechanical stability and top Swedish product quality.

Raw materials
Silicon is the main component of a solar cell and is melted from sand. Silicon is the second most abundant element (after oxygen) in the earths crust. The internal crystal structure of monocrystalline silicon is homogenous, which can be recognized from the even external colour. Poly-crystalline silicon is a material consisting of multiple small silicon crystals. It has a structure in which many crystals grow next to each other during solidification. Polycrystalline cells can be recognized from the clear corn limits, they have a so called ‘Metal Flake Effect’.

Solar wafers
High-purity ("solar grade") silicon that has been melted into blocks is prepared into stacks, from which very thin wafers (discs) are cut with modern wire-cutting technology. After cleaning and thorough quality checks the mono- and poly-crystalline wafers now becomes the basis for the production of solar cells. The semiconductor quality determines the achievable efficiency of the solar cells.

Solar cells
A solar cell is the basic element for the production of Solar Power Modules. Cells are manufactured from wafers. A solar cell converts solar energy into electricity by photovoltaic effect. As a result of light impingement positive and negative charge carriers are released in the cells and an electric current flows (direct current). The efficiency of a solar cell from polycrystalline silicon is approximately 24 percent in the laboratory, in production 13 to 16 percent is achieved. A monocrystalline cell reaches an efficiency of approximately 24 percent in the laboratory and 16 - 18 percent in production.

GPV manufacture modules for power applications that comply with the three centralized and worldwide applicable standards IEC 61215, UL 1703 and the Safety Class II for Solar Power Modules connected to the main electricity net/supply.

Degree of efficiency module/cell
The degree of efficiency of a module/cell is defined as the ratio of the electrical energy output to the incoming light energy. The degree of efficiency has no meaning in regards to the production of a module/cell.

Energy roof
A form of installation in which a frameless module is installed in a system. This installation system replaces the standard roof installation and is especially suitable for new buildings or roof renovations.

Flat roof installation
Installation method for photovoltaic solar power plants in which the modules are installed on flat roofs using an angle or telescoping constructions.

Grid Connected System
A grid-connected solar electric system generates its own electricity and feeds its excess power into the utility grid for later use. Only grid-connected solar electric systems are eligible for many of today’s incentives and rebates that are in place in various countries.

Inverter
This is a complex electronic based power product that converts DC power into AC power and is required for solar power systems.

kWh
An abbreviation for kilowatt hours. One kWh represents 1,000 watts over a period of one hour. It is the unit that are most commonly used on household electricity meters.

kWp
kW = kilowatt, the p means “peak” as in peak performance. The “p” does not show the peak performance but rather the maximum output according to standard test conditions (STC).

Module
Describes a unit composed of several solar cells that are encapsulated in tempered glass and a plastic encapsulant and then framed ready to be electrically connected.

Mono-crystalline
A material with a homogenous internal crystal structure is called mono-crystalline, in the case of silicon this can be recognized from the even external colour.

Net Metering
Net-metering allows the solar electric system to send excess electricity back through the electric meter to the utility. The meter actually runs backwards! Your utility will credit the excess power produced at the same or even higher rate paid for electricity purchased (depending on the country your system is installed in).

On-roof installation
With this type of installation, mounting sets are placed above the house roof to fasten the Solar Power Modules.

Polycrystalline
This is a crystalline structure of silicon where several crystals form in a mould. Polycrystalline cells can be recognized by its random pattern, a so called “metal flake effect”.

Profitability
The profitability of a photovoltaic solar power plant is calculated from the costs of the system and the feed in tariffs. With a roof slant of 30° and a southern orientation, the system pays for itself within approximately 9 – 12 years depending on where the system is installed and if any incentives have been granted for the project.

Silicon
The basic material used to make solar cells. It is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen.

Slaved system
See Tracker

Stand-alone system
When generated energy is stored in batteries and subsequently used. These systems are not connected to the utility grid.

STC (Standard Test Conditions)
The standard test conditions are the conditions in which the power and voltage values of a module/cell are measured and entered in a data sheet. STC = 1000W/m², 25°C cell temperature, solar spectrum AM = 1,5.

Tracker
Installation system for solar power modules, which mechanically guides the mounted module field to follow the sun, in order to obtain a surplus, single axis systems rotate from east to west and double axis systems also take the elevation of the sun into consideration (Elevation).

Value added chain, solar
The solar value added chain is characterized by the steps from sand/raw silicone to the completed photovoltaic solar power module.

Wafer
A sawn silicon disc, used as the starting point for manufacturing a solar cell.

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