Spi-Stringer™ 2000 Semi-Automated Solar Cell Stringer he Spi-Stringer™ 2000 is a semi-automated stringing machine that interconnects solar cells by soldering flat metal leads, or ribbons, to cell contacts. Solar cells are processed with high yield. The operator places individual solar cells onto a combination alignment chuck and robot pick-up stage. The Spi-Stringer picks the cell from the chuck and places it onto the conveyer belt. Ribbon material is automatically fed from spools, coated with flux, cut to length, and provided with a stress-relief bend. Ribbons and cells are aligned for soldering. High-intensity lamps in the solder head assembly provide radiant thermal energy to the cells and ribbons. Both front and back cell contacts are soldered in a single step, thereby Solar cells processed with high yeild (Offload conveyer not shown) reducing thermal stress on cells. The number of cells per string, cell spacing, ribbon length, stress bend location, and soldering parameters are all software programmable. Each completed string is automatically fed to an offload conveyer, where an operator will remove it by hand and transport it to the next stage of the process (inspection, glass layup, etc). Third Ribbon Path Allows additional interconnect ribbon on larger cells with greater current output Automated and programmable assembly creates high quality soldered cell strings for multiple cell sizes Software selectable string design including ribbon length, stress-relief bend location, number of cells per string, cell spacing, and soldering parameters Computer controlled with a touch screen graphical interface Flexible Operation Solar cells are aligned and automatically placed into strings prior to soldering Easily adaptable to a wide range of cell and string designs Remote diagnostics and service capability Soft Touch on Cells High-intensity light soldering with cell pre-heating for improved throughput and yield Rapid soldering process - Minimum mechanical force on cell Low thermal stress - Continuously soldered contacts w w w.spiresolar.com ©2010 Spire Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Spi-Stringer 2000 Specifications Solar Cell Geometry Square, rectangular or pseudo-square Solar Cell Dimensions Interconnect Ribbon 2 ribbon - standard 3 ribbon - optional Maximum String Length Equipment Dimensions without Offload Conveyer Offload Conveyer Dimensions Utility Requirements Compressed Dry Air (CDA) per ISO 8573.1