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    • 6 key factors for choosing equipment in an efficient photovoltaic production line

    How to make the right decisions from the start in a photovoltaic production line 

    Choosing the right equipment for a photovoltaic production line not only impacts the quality of solar modules, but also the efficiency, traceability, maintenance, and scalability of the entire operation. In this article, we present the 6 key factors you should consider when selecting the best photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment. 

    Alt text: Robotic arm and vision system integrated in solar panel manufacturing line for quality control and positioning.

    • Real-time traceability and production control 

    Real-time data monitoring throughout the entire solar manufacturing line is essential to ensure module quality. Integrating a traceability system that tracks every component and operation helps detect deviations, reduce rework, and offer stronger guarantees to customers. 

    • Equipment adaptable to new solar technologies 

    The photovoltaic industry evolves rapidly. Ensure your machinery can adapt to new technologies like HJT, TOPCon, or back-contact. Choosing flexible equipment ensures your solar production line can continue manufacturing panels with different cell types and configurations, staying competitive in a changing market.

    • Intuitive interface and specialized training 

    In solar manufacturing, where every minute counts, ease of use and fast operator training are critical. Having intuitive interfaces, operator-assist systems, and strong initial training—especially for lay-up, soldering, and EL testing—is key to reaching full performance of your solar module production line quickly and efficiently. 

    • Smart investment to optimize OPEX 

    Solar panel manufacturing involves high energy use, sensitive materials, and processes where any error can cause costly waste. A good CAPEX decision not only improves energy efficiency and reduces scrap, but also lowers maintenance, reduces downtime, and ensures operational reliability. Investing in the right solar automation solution is crucial for long-term profitability. 

    • Planned maintenance and fast support 

    Old soldering, faulty laminations, or misalignments can lead to rejected modules or unplanned downtime. A full maintenance strategy is essential to avoid these issues and keep your photovoltaic production line running reliably. This strategy should include: 

      • Preventive maintenance plan: Avoid unexpected stops through scheduled inspections, replacement of critical parts, and control of key parameters. 
      • Fast and reliable technical support: When an issue arises, quick response is vital. A responsive technical service, with remote and on-site assistance, ensures your solar automation line stays productive with minimal delays. 
      • Availability of critical spare parts: Make sure you have key replacement parts available—either managed by your provider or stocked internally—to minimize downtime when repairs are needed. 

    • Automation tailored to your application 

    Each manufacturer must find the right balance between automation and flexibility. It’s not the same to produce standard solar modules for utility-scale plants as it is to create custom solutions for architectural or mobile integration. Depending on your production scale, budget, and quality goals, consider the following: 

      • Full automation for high-volume manufacturing: To achieve maximum efficiency and consistency, a fully automated production line with equipment such as tabber stringer machines and an automated lay-up system enables high output with minimal manual intervention. 
      • Semi-automated processes for more flexibility: Some factories choose to keep certain operations manual or semi-automated, such as assembly or final testing, which may be more cost-effective for medium or low production volumes. 
      • Custom technical evaluation: Working with a specialized partner allows you to design a hybrid or scalable solution tailored to your current and future needs. 

    Alt text: Robotic arm and vision system integrated in solar panel manufacturing line for quality control and positioning.

    How a photovoltaic production line proves its value on the shop floor 

    At Mondragon Assembly, we’ve been designing and supplying solar panel manufacturing lines worldwide for over two decades—adapting to all technologies and applications. This experience has taught us that concepts like traceability, robustness, efficiency, and technical support only prove their value when integrated into a real production line. 

    Investing in a well-designed turnkey photovoltaic module line is the best way to accelerate ROI and ensure reliable production from day one. We see it every day, working closely with manufacturers around the world—because it’s on the production floor where automation, engineering, and service truly deliver results. 

    Are you evaluating new machinery for your plant? Find out how we can help you with a customised photovoltaic line: https://www.mondragon-assembly.com/es/contactar/

     

    Students from the School of Engineering at UPV/EHU in Vitoria-Gasteiz will participate for the fifth time in the international event known as MotoStudent. They will do so thanks to the sponsorship of, among others, Mondragon Assembly.

    Presentación ArabaMotoSport

    Since 2015, the University of the Basque Country has been represented in MotoStudent by students from the School of Engineering in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The beginning of the fifth edition in 2023 was complicated due to an incident with the previous bike and the abandonment of the project by several team members. However, the team managed to recruit new students and increase the number of people to 33, allowing for a significant development in the team’s technical departments.

    What is the Araba MotorSport project?

    The MotoStudent project represents a multidisciplinary challenge where students face the creation of a competition motorcycle from scratch. From financial management and the development of marketing strategies, to mechanical design and electronics, teams work integrally with the goal of building a fully functional motorcycle and making it compete in an international race.

    Two years after its start in the fifth participation, the Araba team’s project is progressing well, and the team members are confident in achieving the set objectives. So much so that last week they wanted to thank the main sponsors for their support.

    Project Presentation to Mondragon Assembly

    The student group made a visit and demonstration of the prototype developed at the production plant of Mondragon Assembly in Aretxabaleta, in a relaxed event, where the cooperatives’ managers were able to learn about the developed project firsthand.

    The team members wanted to express their gratitude for the support received. “We deeply appreciate the support from our sponsors, without whose collaboration this project would not have been possible. Their help has allowed us to overcome challenges, grow as a team, and continue progressing toward new objectives, such as achieving a good position in the competition,” they said.

    Proyecto Araba MotorSport

    Mondragon Assembly’s Collaboration

    In the case of Mondragon Assembly, the collaboration with Araba MotorSport has been related to the production and machining of various motorcycle parts. This support was met with gratitude from the students, not only for the machining of these key parts, but also for the speed and commitment with which they were delivered. Thanks to this collaboration, the team was able to progress at a much faster pace than anticipated, allowing them to have the prototype ready much earlier than planned, providing a decisive boost to the development of the project.

    As part of the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, GALBAIAN has presented the GALBAHE Award for Inventor of the Year to Jean-Philippe Aguerre, Head of R&D at Mondragon Assembly since 2008.

    Innovation award ceremony

    The award ceremony

     

    The GALBAHE Award for best inventor of the year was granted to Jean-Philippe Aguerre during a ceremony held at GALBAIAN’s facilities in the GARAIA Technology Park.

    Jean-Philippe, who has led the R&D department of this cooperative for the past 17 years, was honored by his colleagues at Mondragon Assembly, as well as by the entire GALBAIAN team.

    It is worth mentioning that Jean-Philippe has more than earned the distinction of Best Inventor of the Year. As he is listed as an inventor on no fewer than 14 published patent families, many of them under the name of Mondragon Assembly. Moreover, in addition to leading the research team at Mondragon Assembly, he is also responsible for managing industrial and intellectual property within the organization.

    Inovation award mondragon assembly

    However, it is important to highlight that each engineer of the innovation team has played a crucial role, adding their unique contribution to drive this achievement forward. A sincere thank you to the entire Innovation team for your dedication, vision, and contribution to our progress.

    About the GALBAHE Award

    Since 2016, it has become a tradition that, on the occasion of “World IP Day,” GALBAIAN presents the GALBAHE Award to the inventor who, in their view, has made the most significant contributions deserving of recognition. With this award, GALBAIAN aims to highlight the work of inventors in the region, providing them with the recognition and visibility they truly deserve.

    The following individuals have received the GALBAHE Award in previous years:

    • 2024 – Jose Ignacio Mujika, Head of Innovation at Copreci

    • 2023 – Nagore Abrisketa, Project Manager at Vicinay Marine Innovación

    • 2022 – Bitor Mendiguren, Founder of Ingeteam

    • 2021 – Arrate Jaureguibeitia, Former Director of Innovation at Biolan

    • 2020 – No award presented due to the pandemic

    • 2019 – Manu Colino, R&D Engineering Technician at Ulma Construction

    • 2018 – Tomás Morlanes, Technology Manager for the Optical Area at Fagor Automation

    • 2017 – Eneko Izquierdo, Head of Competitive Intelligence at Ulma Packaging

    • 2016 – Felix Kerejeta, Senior Technology Manager at Copreci

    Mondragon Assembly as a driving force for innovation

    Since its foundation in 1977, Mondragon Assembly has firmly positioned innovation at the core of its strategy for sustainable growth. By allocating significant resources to research and development, the company has continuously expanded its portfolio of advanced technologies and services.

    Since 2002, it has also operated its own Technology Centre, focused on developing and acquiring technologies for the medium and long term. Key research areas include cutting-edge solar production technologies, advanced automation solutions aligned with Industry 4.0, and emerging innovations in e-mobility and energy storage.

    These efforts underscore the group’s commitment to shaping the future of high-tech manufacturing and maintaining its leadership in the global market.

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    Intersolar Europe 2025 is here, one of the major events for solar energy industry in Europe.

     

    From May 7th to 9th, we invite you to join us at Hall A2.230, where we will show the latest innovations our team of experts have developed.

    Arrange a meeting with our Sales and Technical Team in a matter of minutes!

    SET A MEETING NOW!

    LEADING THE CHANGE FROM MAINSTREAM TO FUTURE.

    With over two decades of experience, we stand ready to collaborate with you in finding the best tailored solution for your PV module manufacturing — combining advanced cell technology with customized PV solutions for any special application, ensuring not only excellence but also profitability.

    PV Next Generation

    VISIT US AND EXPLORE OUR TURNKEY LINES AND INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENTS

    At our stand, you will find information on the most advanced and automated high-tech turnkey lines along with individual machines, all of them developed by the Mondragon Assembly Team.

    Turnkey Lines and High Tech Equipment

    WE ENSURE THE TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF ALL OUR SOLUTIONS

    We live in constant change and the PV industry is no exception. We are aware that the technological evolution in the solar industry is a concern for module manufacturers. That’s why we work alongside the most well-known technological centres to bring you the best solutions available in the PV industry.

    We are the best partner to guide you in the technological evolution of your solution. This approach helps us to ensure that none of our partners are left behind.

    So, what you are waiting for?

    Seize the opportunity to engage with our PV experts and get best advice for a tailored solution that meets your needs. Whether you choose to visit our stand or schedule an appointment via our website, Intersolar Europe 2025 with Mondragon Assembly promises to be an unparalleled experience!

    SET A MEETING NOW!
    The new 200MW photovoltaic module manufacturing line integrates advanced technology and the Tabber & Stringer machine, allowing seamless upgrades for future generations of solar cells and modules.
    Overview of BVG India’s 500MW automated solar module production line

    This new system integrates advanced solar automation solutions, optimizing each phase of the process to maximize efficiency and quality in the manufacture of high power solar panels.

    A Turnkey Solution for Photovoltaic Manufacturing

    The demand for solar energy continues to grow, increasing the need for more efficient and automated manufacturing processes. To meet this challenge, a next-generation photovoltaic module production line has been developed for Zergoun Green Energy. This system integrates advanced technology and automation to maximize efficiency and quality at every stage of the process.

    Designed with flexibility and scalability, this turnkey solution ensures optimized production, ready for future generations of solar cells and panels.

    Its advanced technology enables the production of modules with larger solar cells, while its flexible design allows easy upgrades to accommodate future solar cell and module technologies. A key component of this innovation is the MTS 6000: Tabber & Stringer system, a high-precision assembly solution that optimizes solar cell interconnection and welding, ensuring efficiency and quality in module production.

    This project is not just a technological advancement but also the result of a strong and long-standing partnership between both organizations. As a key regional partner and a valued repeat client, they share our common goal: to drive high-quality photovoltaic energy production in Algeria.

    Benefits of Automation in Solar Panel Production

    This project demonstrates how automation can revolutionize the photovoltaic industry. For Zergoun Green Energy, implementing an automated solar module production line has increased efficiency, lowered costs, and ensured greater quality control. Additionally, integrating advanced automation technologies has optimized production processes, minimizing material waste and improving the use of energy resources.

    This solar manufacturing line offers:

    Higher Efficiency in PV Module Manufacturing 

    The integration of automated processes in this solar panel production line significantly reduces error margins, improving precision and quality at every stage of assembly. With cutting-edge technology, the production process becomes faster and more consistent, optimizing output capacity and ensuring the uniform quality of photovoltaic modules.

    Flexibility for Future Solar Technologies

    The modular design of this photovoltaic module production line allows easy adaptation to future generations of solar cells, requiring minimal modifications. This enables manufacturers to upgrade their production with the latest technological innovations, ensuring their investment remains competitive over time.

    Performance Optimization in Solar Automation

    Each component of this photovoltaic manufacturing line is designed to maximize production efficiency and reduce operational costs. Improved material and energy efficiency, along with precise quality control, enhances manufacturing profitability, ensuring higher productivity with minimal waste.

    Real image of the PV module manufacturing line in operation at Voltec Solar’s facility, with Tabber & Stringers and Lay-up system by Mondragon Assembly.

    Why Trust This Turnkey Photovoltaic Solution?

    This automated solar manufacturing line is built to ensure quality, reliability, and excellence, offering comprehensive solar automation solutions tailored to the needs of each customer. From design and manufacturing to installation and continuous support, this system provides a trusted, end-to-end solution throughout the project.

    This commitment ensures that customers receive maximum benefits from their solar panel production lines, guaranteeing efficiency, innovation, and tangible results. With this project in India, this turnkey photovoltaic module production line reaffirms its industry leadership, demonstrating the ability to adapt to specific customer requirements while meeting the highest solar industry standards.

    With more than 47,000 km completed, our Chicago and Queretaro branches have turned their efforts into support for charitable causes.
    Chicago subsidiary donation for charitable cause with the 2024 sporting solidarity challenge

    Mondragon Assembly has once again demonstrated that teamwork and solidarity can go hand in hand. In the third edition of our annual Sport Challenge, we successfully surpassed the 40,000 km target, requiring us to cover 10,000 km more than last year, setting a new record of 47,609 km covered by people from all our group’s subsidiaries. This challenge has not only encouraged physical activity and team spirit within the organisation, but has also served to do our bit for charitable causes. 

    The winners and their solidarity donations

    This year, the winning subsidiary was our Chicago branch, which for its efforts won first place and a prize of €5,000 to donate to Tutoring Chicago, NGO of the branch’s choice that provides educational support to children in vulnerable situations.  

    Second place went to our subsidiary in Queretaro, Mexico, which received €3,000 to donate to the Nens de Llum foundation, a care centre for children with brain damage.

    Mondragon Assembly Queretaro branch presenting a donation to a foundation supporting children with brain injuries with the 2024 sporting solidarity challenge
    Queretaro subsidiary presenting a donation to a foundation supporting children with brain injuries

    An increasingly demanding challenge 

    This year’s challenge set an ambitious goal: to complete 40,000 km , 10,000 km more than in the previous edition. Thanks to the participation and commitment of our people around the world, we managed to beat that target and reach 47,609 km in total. 

    The rules of the competition have remained the same as last year, allowing all the employees to add up kilometres through various sporting activities. This challenge has not only promoted an active lifestyle, but has also reinforced our commitment to our environment by acting as a committed agent with associations that are improving the quality of life of those who need it most. To remember how we experienced the previous edition, you can read the 2023 news here: The supportive face of Mondragon Assembly 2023. 

    Mondragon Assembly would like to congratulate all those who took part for their effort and dedication, and thank our branches in Chicago and Querétaro for turning their victory into an act of generosity and support for those who need it most. 

    See you in next year’s challenge with new goals to reach and more solidarity impact to generate! 

    Mondragon Assembly Brazil starts the year in a big way. This year, the Brazilian subsidiary celebrates its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of growth and achievements. Since its beginnings, the subsidiary has taken on the challenges of setting up a business from zero in a developing country like Brazil and has progressed thanks to teamwork, excellence in projects and a constant ambition to improve day by day.
    Mondragon Assembly Brasil team

    “Celebrating 10 years of performance is a significant milestone, especially in a country where starting from zero represents even greater challenges,” says the director of the subsidiary in Brazil, João Guilherme Almeida Nunes. Looking back over the entire history of the company, João Guilherme highlights two main achievements:

    • The creation of a committed team: “We have built a solid base of collaborators, aligned with Mondragon Assembly’s culture and willing to grow together with the company”.
    • The trust of the customer: From the very first projects, when the team was still small and developing, customers trusted Mondragon Assembly Brazil’s capabilities. Mondragon Assembly Brazil has also demonstrated its ability to develop robust and technological solutions, fully adapted to the needs of its customers, consolidating its position as a reliable partner in innovative projects. This confidence has been the pillar to consolidate its presence in the market and to grow in a sustainable way.

    Perspectives for the future 

    With a decade of success as a solid basis, the future outlook for the coming years is ambitious. “Our goal is to continue to grow sustainably and consolidate our brand in the market as a reference and trusted company,” explains the director.

    Plans also include the expansion of the facilities, both in offices and in the factory, to offer a better working environment for employees and an optimal experience for customers.

    A special celebration 

    On the day of the anniversary celebration, Mondragon Assembly Brazil has prepared a special dinner with music where everyone can enjoy an evening dedicated to commemorate this important milestone. In addition, representatives from the headquarters, who were key in the beginning of the subsidiary 10 years ago, will be present. This event will not only celebrate past achievements but also reaffirm the commitment to continue building a bright future.

    Actividades de celebración por el 10º aniversario de Mondragon Assembly Brasil
    Celebración del 10º aniversario de Mondragon Assembly Brasil con actividades para el equipo, reforzando el compromiso con la excelencia, el trabajo en equipo y la mejora continua en el sector industrial B2B.

    A decade of excellence

    Mondragon Assembly Brazil’s success over the past decade demonstrates that teamwork, excellence and ambition to improve are not only core values, but also the driving forces behind sustainable growth. With a consolidated track record and a promising horizon, the subsidiary reaffirms its commitment to continue making a difference in the Brazilian market.

    Video commemorating 10 years of activity

    This state-of-the-art 500MW line has a flexible design that makes it easy to upgrade for future generations of cells and modules.

    PV Turnkey Line_500MW_BVG_India

    Mondragon Assembly, a company recognized for its automated turnkey lines for the solar industry, shows the photovoltaic module manufacturing line developed for BVG India Ltd. This project, designed with cutting-edge technology, reinforces its position as a leader in the development of high-tech turnkey solutions.

    Its advanced technology enables the manufacture of high-power modules using larger cell sizes and has a flexible design that makes it easy to upgrade for future generations of cells and modules. This feature ensures efficient and reliable production, ready for the challenges of the global market. This project represents not only a technological breakthrough, but also the result of a close working relationship between the two organizations with a common goal: to boost the production of high-quality photovoltaics in India.

    BVG India Ltd. has relied on Mondragon Assembly as a strategic partner to carry out this project, highlighting the joint commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. This collaboration has allowed the development of a turnkey solution that meets the specific needs of BVG, ensuring the success of the project and strengthening its position in the solar market.

    PV Turnkey Line_500MW_BVG_INDIA_Laminators
    A general view of the developed PV line

    A leader in innovation and excellence

    Mondragon Assembly has distinguished itself for its commitment to quality, reliability and excellence, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to each customer’s needs, including design, manufacturing, installation and ongoing support, becoming the trusted partner throughout the project, ensuring that customers get the maximum benefit from their production lines, consolidating its reputation as a reliable partner for global success.

    With this project, Mondragon Assembly reaffirms its commitment to innovation and technical excellence. The collaboration with BVG India Ltd. reflects its ability to adapt to the specific needs of each customer, providing solutions that meet the most demanding industry standards.

    A look at the line in action

    The Indian company has prepared a video showing exclusive images of the manufactured and assembled line. This content provides a close-up look at the result of its team’s joint efforts and reinforces its commitment to innovation, quality and continuous support.

    The cooperative has obtained the Bikain High-Level Certificate, coinciding with the celebration of its 25th anniversary.

    Mondragon Assembly has received the Bikain High-Level Certificate, the highest recognition that certifies the normalization level of the presence, use, and management of the Basque language. During the evaluation conducted on November 11, external evaluators awarded 900 points out of 1,000, reflecting the cooperative’s strong commitment to its native language.

    The process to obtain the certificate began at the start of the year. Through interviews with the cooperative’s responsible, a diagnostic report was prepared, and various areas for improvement were identified, such as the company’s image, marketing and client relations, internal communication, external communication, people management, and the management of the Basque Language Plan.

    Members of Mondragon Assembly with the BIKAIN Certificate
    Representatives of the MONDRAGON Group with the BIKAIN Certificate

    On November 11, external evaluators analyzed the cooperative’s situation, and the resulting report highlighted strengths and the main areas for improvement, identifying important keys for the future.

    Recognition of 25 years of trajectory

    This achievement is even more significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of Mondragon Assembly’s Basque Language Plan. “A quarter of a century later, we can proudly say that the Basque language is not just a language; it is our essence, our identity, and the symbol of our uniqueness. The Basque language connects us to our roots and, at the same time, strengthens our identity and charts our path towards the future, with a firm commitment to cultural diversity and local richness,” explains Izaro Aretxaga, coordinator of the Basque Language Committee at Mondragon Assembly.

    For Mondragon Assembly, the Basque language is not just a communication tool; it is the main axis of its identity and uniqueness and a clear reflection of its commitment to local culture and linguistic diversity. “We will continue working, leveraging everything we have learned on this path, to consolidate the results achieved and take new steps. At Mondragon Assembly, we believe that promoting, normalizing, and protecting the Basque language is not just a responsibility but a commitment that defines our essence and makes us unique,” concludes Izaro.

    A group of Mondragon Assembly employees celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Euskara Plan

    We continue to set new records in Europe within the renewable energy market, although it is true that there is a slowdown compared to last year 2023.

    Solar installations grew by 4% year-on-year in the European Union in 2024, a marked drop compared to the 53% growth in 2023. The slowdown coincides with a decline in solar investment, marking the first such drop in this decade.

    This data should be valued as a warning for European policymakers and system operators. Europe needs to install around 70 GW a year to meet its 2030 targets.

    Despite falling capital costs, largely due to utility-scale solar projects experiencing an average cost reduction of 28% in 2024, EU solar installations are set to reach 65 GW in the coming year.

    The EU solar park now totals 338 GW, a fourfold increase from 82 GW a decade ago. The market is expected to add 70 GW in 2025, reflecting a 7% growth rate driven by utility-scale projects initiated over the past two years, which benefited from record-low module prices.

    Companies with advanced technological capacity to create these infrastructures, such as Mondragon Assembly, support any action that helps to foster the necessary momentum to achieve sustainability goals by 2030. But it is the role played by European institutions that is key to the growth of renewable energy infrastructures in Europe.

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