Logistics consulting: Conveyor technology in the solar industry – Conveyor in the solar/photovoltaic sector

Materials handling technology plays a crucial role in the solar industry, particularly in the manufacturing and installation of solar modules. Here are some aspects of materials handling technology that are relevant to the solar industry:

Material transport

Solar module production requires the transport of various materials such as silicon wafers, backsheets, glass, and metal frames. Conveyor belts, roller conveyors, cranes, and other conveying technology solutions are used to efficiently move these materials from one production stage to the next.

automation

The solar industry is increasingly relying on automated manufacturing processes to increase production capacity and efficiency. Robotic arms and automated transport systems are used to handle, inspect, and package solar modules.

Assembly and installation

When installing solar modules on roofs or open spaces, conveyor technology solutions are often used to transport the modules to the installation site. This can include the use of cranes, conveyor belts, or special mounting systems to position the modules safely and efficiently.

Storage and logistics

In the solar industry, solar modules and other components need to be stored and prepared for shipping. Warehouse automation systems, pallet conveyors, and forklifts are used to make warehouse operations efficient and to prepare the components for transport.

recycling

Conveyor technology also plays a role in the recycling of solar modules. Since solar modules have a limited lifespan, recycling plants are increasingly being established to recover the valuable materials. Conveyor technology is used to feed the modules into the recycling process and to separate the different materials.

➡️ Conveyor technology in the solar industry aims to improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of solar module production and installation. The use of automated systems and modern conveyor technology can reduce costs, shorten lead times, and minimize environmental impact.

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• A personal contact with individual advice. This also applies to advice and on-site inspections.
• We bring you together with long-standing solar experts and manufacturers in the industry.
• This saves you time searching for suitable experts.
• The consulting services are non-binding for you!

• All services according to your wishes.
• As consultants and solution providers, we are available to answer any questions and problems you may have at any time.

• You have the projects and the areas, we have the solutions. From the assembly system to power storage and inverters to the modules.
• If something doesn't fit, we will develop project-specific special solutions for you.

• If you wish, we can organize your photovoltaic projects and the construction site for you. Whether it's frame or module mounting, DC/AC installation, or renovations.
• As your partner, we support you in planning module occupancy, shading calculation, string planning and occupancy as well as in the creation of plans and drawings.
• We help and support with planning and structural calculations.

• Safety is our top priority. Comprehensive service is equally important. We can provide a wide range of services, from structural analysis and snow load assessments to acceptance and damage reports.

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Conveyor technology plays a vital role in the solar industry and is of great importance. Here are some reasons why conveyor technology is important:

Increased efficiency

The use of conveyor technology allows for the optimization of processes in solar module production. Materials and components can be moved quickly and efficiently from one production stage to the next, resulting in an overall higher production speed and throughput. This, in turn, reduces manufacturing costs and increases productivity.

Precision and quality

Conveyor technology solutions enable precise and controlled handling of solar modules and other materials. This minimizes errors and damage, resulting in higher quality manufactured solar modules. Precise positioning systems and automated assembly systems also contribute to improved product quality.

Occupational safety

The use of conveyor technology reduces the manual handling of heavy materials, thus lowering the risk of injuries or accidents for workers. Machines and automated systems take over heavy loads and dangerous tasks, thereby improving workplace safety.

Scalability

The solar industry is experiencing steady growth, and conveyor technology enables flexible and scalable production. By using conveyor technology solutions, production capacities can be easily adapted and expanded to meet the increasing demand for solar modules.

sustainability

Conveyor technology can also contribute to improving sustainability in the solar industry. Efficient transport systems and automated processes can reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of production. Furthermore, conveyor technology facilitates the recycling of solar modules by simplifying transport and handling at recycling facilities.

➡️ Overall, conveyor technology contributes to improving efficiency, quality, occupational safety, and sustainability in the solar industry. It plays a crucial role in scaling production, reducing costs, and increasing the competitiveness of solar companies.

The company Bürkle is a company that operates in various industries, including the field of photovoltaics.

In the field of photovoltaics, Bürkle offers specialized solutions and technologies for the production of solar modules. Bürkle has many years of experience and a good reputation in the industry and collaborates with numerous companies in the photovoltaic sector to optimize their production processes and offer innovative solutions.

With Vuframe, Bürkle has found a way to present its large machines and products to visitors comprehensively and in great detail at trade fairs. At Intersolar, the machines were not set up with elaborate technology or as mere dummies without technical content, but rather brought to life visually in 3D using an interactive touchscreen desk based on Vuframe technology.

Bürkle: Extended Reality at Intersolar – Image: Xpert.Digital / Vuframe / Bürkle

More about it here:

• Extended Reality at the Intersolar trade fair: How Bürkle is revolutionizing digital 3D product presentation with SmartVu

Here are some of Bürkle's activities and products in the field of photovoltaics:

Coating technology

Bürkle is known for its expertise in coating technology and offers solutions for coating solar modules. This includes, for example, coating backsheets with adhesives or applying protective layers to the front of the solar modules.

lamination

Bürkle offers lamination machines for the production of solar modules. Lamination is a crucial step in the process of bonding multiple layers, such as glass, silicon cells, and backsheets, to form a solar module. Bürkle provides lamination machines that ensure precise and efficient lamination.

Drying technology

Bürkle develops and produces drying systems used in the manufacturing of solar modules. After coating or lamination, the modules must be dried to achieve the desired properties. Bürkle offers innovative drying technologies that enable fast and gentle drying.

Automation solutions

Bürkle also offers automated solutions for photovoltaic production. This includes, for example, the use of robots and transport systems for handling and positioning solar modules. Bürkle's automation technology aims to increase efficiency and productivity in production.

Research and Development: Bürkle is also involved in the research and development of new technologies and solutions for the photovoltaic industry. The company works closely with customers to develop customized solutions for their specific requirements and to advance innovative technologies.

Germany is known for its strong industrial base and has a significant materials handling industry. The German economy is heavily export-oriented, and materials handling technology plays a vital role in various industries such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, logistics, and others.

The demand for conveyor technology is heavily dependent on the overall economic situation. Economic growth and increased investment in industrial infrastructure will lead to further positive market opportunities for conveyor technology in Germany. Furthermore, technological advancements and innovations, such as automated and networked conveyor systems, can also open up new possibilities.

Number of companies in the field of conveyor technology in Germany – Image: Xpert.Digital

The Federal Statistical Office's exact classification for materials handling technology is: 'Manufacture of lifting equipment and conveying equipment' (WZ08-28.22)

The number of companies in the materials handling technology sector in Germany did not change significantly in 2022 compared to the previous year, 2021. In general, the number of companies was subject to fluctuations during the observed period.

➡️ As logistics consultants , Xpert.Plus collaborates with various materials handling companies. Together with you, we analyze your requirements and connect you with the ideal materials handling specialist.

Conveyor technology – Number of companies in Germany by 2022

• Year 2005 – 280 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2006 – 288 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2007 – 297 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2008 – 298 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2009 – 307 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2010 – 297 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2011 – 299 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2012 – 314 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2013 – 320 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2014 – 329 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2015 – 333 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2016 – 335 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2017 – 335 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2018 – 338 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2019 – 340 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2020 – 334 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2021 – 331 conveyor technology companies
• Year 2022 – 333 conveyor technology companies

German conveyor technology – revenue until 2022 – Image: Xpert.Digital

The Federal Statistical Office's exact classification for materials handling technology is: 'Manufacture of lifting equipment and conveying equipment' (WZ08-28.22)

Sales in the materials handling sector in Germany increased by €1.8 billion (+10.25 percent) in 2022. At €19.4 billion, sales reached their highest level in the observed period.

Sales of German conveyor technology from 2005 to 2022

• 2005 – 9,469.14 million euros
• 2006 – 10,722.03 million euros
• 2007 – 12,432.48 million euros
• 2008 – 14,251.72 million euros
• 2009 – 10,817.11 million euros
• 2010 – 11,044.41 million euros
• 2011 – 13,158.80 million euros
• 2012 – 13,941.09 million euros
• 2013 – 14,203.07 million euros
• 2014 – 14,655.96 million euros
• 2015 – 15,302.25 million euros
• 2016 – 15,820.15 million euros
• 2017 – 16,614.31 million euros
• 2018 – 18,155.75 million euros
• 2019 – 19,041.20 million euros
• 2020 – 16,557.51 million euros
• 2021 – 17,568.65 million euros
• 2022 – 19,370.20 million euros

Materials handling technology – number of employees in Germany until 2022 – Image: Xpert.Digital

The Federal Statistical Office's exact classification for materials handling technology is: 'Manufacture of lifting equipment and conveying equipment' (WZ08-28.22)

Number of employees in the field of conveyor technology in Germany

• Year 2005 – 48,442 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2006 – 50,914 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2007 – 53,305 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2008 – 56,850 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2009 – 56,748 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2010 – 54,923 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2011 – 56,643 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2012 – 58,480 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2013 – 60,195 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2014 – 60,873 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2015 – 61,817 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2016 – 62,441 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2017 – 63,665 employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2018 – 66,456 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2019 – 68,649 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2020 – 66,681 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2021 – 66,219 people employed in materials handling technology
• Year 2022 – 67,088 employed in materials handling technology

The solar industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, as more and more businesses and households switch to renewable energy. Photovoltaic systems play a crucial role in converting solar energy into electricity. However, in addition to the development and production of solar cells and modules, efficient logistics are also of great importance in this sector.

A crucial factor for smooth logistics in the solar industry is the correct selection and implementation of conveyor technology solutions. Conveyor belts play a central role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials and components throughout the entire supply chain. They enable the transport of solar cells, modules, semiconductors, and other essential components through production facilities and warehouses.

The requirements for conveyor belt solutions in the solar industry are diverse. The conveyor belts must be able to safely transport sensitive and often expensive materials without damaging them. Furthermore, high reliability and efficiency are essential to avoid bottlenecks and maintain production flow. Another important aspect is the flexibility of the conveyor technology to meet the demands of a constantly evolving industry.

Xpert Logistics Consulting in the solar industry supports companies in the optimal selection and implementation of conveyor belt solutions. Various factors are taken into account, such as the type of materials being transported, production requirements, spatial conditions, and the specific needs of the company. Our experienced consulting team can help develop customized solutions that meet the individual needs of each company.

Furthermore, logistics consulting can also support the optimization of existing conveyor systems. By analyzing processes and procedures, weaknesses can be identified and efficiency improvements proposed. This can contribute to increasing production capacity, reducing costs, and minimizing the environmental footprint.

Conveyor technology plays a crucial role in the logistics of the solar industry. An efficient and reliable conveyor belt solution can ensure the smooth operation of the production and supply chain, thus contributing to a company's success in this dynamic market. Partnering with an experienced logistics consultant can help companies identify and implement the right conveyor technology solutions to increase their competitiveness and sustainability.