Key takeaways:
The layup station positions cell strings onto the encapsulant-glass stack, establishing the electrical layout of the module prior to bussing
Module design influences layup speed, as applications such as BIPV or agri-PV require larger spacing between cells and strings compared to conventional modules
Autowell’s AM059B integrates layup and bussing functions and supports multiple cell formats, including half-cut, 1/3-cut, and 1/4-cut strings
In a module assembly line, the second step after tabbing and stringing is layup, during which the set of interconnected cells or cell strings, typically consisting of 9 to 13 half-cells per string, is arranged on an encapsulant layer placed over the front glass. The cell strings are positioned automatically using the pick-and-place method with either a gantry robot or a robotic arm. The layup speed depends on the type of module being assembled. For example, in a conventional module design, the cell strings are arranged along the length of the glass in 6 columns and 2 rows, with a wider gap between the 2 rows to allow for the interconnection of busbars to the junction box during subsequent process steps. In contrast, BIPV and agri-PV modules require wider spacing between the individual cells and cell strings. The layup machine’s throughput differs for these 2 module types. For the TaiyangNews Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, a total of 3 companies have shared data for 7 different auto layup equipment: ConfirmWare, Jinchen Machinery, and Mondragon Assembly.
The technical details for Autowell’s products are sparse, and even fewer for the layup machine. Thus, we have not listed the company among the layup suppliers in the survey table. According to the limited data available, the company's sole promoted model, AM059B, is an integrated layup and bussing setup. This system supports a string built with different cell formats – half-cut, 1/3-cut, and 1/4-cut. The string alignment accuracy with this model is ±0.15 mm. The cycle time, which is not entirely clear whether it includes layup and bussing combined, is specified as 36 s. The system is rated with a module output production yield of at least 99.5%, with a machine uptime of 99.5%. The tool measures 5,754 × 3,104 × 2,905 mm.
The text is an edited excerpt from TaiyangNews’ latest Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, which can be downloaded for free here.