Equipment suppliers during module manufacturing equipment session at STC.I 2026 highlighted innovations in stringers, laminators and integrated production lines to support larger module formats
Speakers emphasized the growing role of advanced technologies such as back contact modules, with equipment designed to help manufacturers transition from existing TOPCon production lines
Digital tools like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), digital twins and Vision AI are increasingly being integrated into solar factories to improve process control, traceability and production efficiency, they shared
As cell and module formats continue to grow larger and factories scale rapidly under increasing cost pressures, equipment suppliers are innovating to deliver higher throughput, tighter process control and more intelligent turnkey solutions.
During the Module Manufacturing Equipment session on day 1 of the TaiyangNews Solar Technology Conference 2026 (STC.I 2026), moderated by TaiyangNews Head of Technology Shravan Chunduri, speakers discussed the latest production equipment solutions for crystalline silicon module manufacturing. Speakers focused on critical steps across the module production process, from cell interconnection and high-speed lamination to final assembly and inspection, aimed at improving process efficiency and manufacturing yield.
Talking about specialized equipment and next-generation module technologies, Mondragon Assembly India CEO Manu Gaurang outlined the company’s strategy to bring advanced solar PV module technologies to India, with a strong focus on back contact (BC) solutions. He highlighted the company’s production equipment such as the Laboratory Stringer and the BC Stringer. Gaurang shared that Mondragon developed the latter under the EU-funded SEAMLESS project, and it is designed to be upgradable from TOPCon technology which works perfectly for the Indian market that’s currently primarily operates in TOPCon space.
The company says its BC Stringer enables highly efficient module production and supports manufacturers transitioning from existing TOPCon lines.
Gaurang emphasized that strong in-house R&D will be a key competitive advantage for companies adopting next-generation technologies like BC. In addition to manufacturing tools, Mondragon is expanding into PV circularity solutions, offering disassembly units, glass recovery systems, and equipment reuse options and markets evolve.
Providing a broader integrated manufacturing perspective was Autowell Technology (ATW) Overseas Sales Director Senthil Raj. He presented the company’s solar PV manufacturing solutions covering ingot to module, with turnkey equipment for wafer, cell and module production.
Highlighting its strong R&D base, global presence and growing footprint in India, Raj claimed ATW holds around 90% market share for stringers in India, with over 250 machines installed. It also offers solutions compatible with TOPCon, HJT and PERC. The company also provides laminators, wafer inspection systems and fully integrated BSS lines.
Raj highlighted its one-stop-shop model and strong local service support in India as PV manufacturers look for solutions to meet the country’s rapidly growing solar demand.
Along with manufacturing equipment, the discussion also revolved around digitalization in solar manufacturing. Kontron Senior Sales Manager Frank Tannhäuser presented the company’s Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for the entire solar PV value chain, including ingot, wafer, cell and module production.
Tannhäuser said the MES enhances quality and process optimization by ensuring transparency, traceability and production control. Key software modules include production order management and graphical work plan management, allowing flexible configuration of workflows, recipes, equipment parameters, alternative routings and rework loops.
He added that strong integration with production equipment, transport systems, quality control tools, ERP platforms and cloud solutions is essential for seamless data flow.
Kontron AIS, together with Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and partners, is also developing digital twin technology under the KISS-PV research project to enable more connected and intelligent solar factories. Integration of Vision AI with MES is expected to further strengthen smart manufacturing capabilities, he stressed.
Building on the theme of manufacturing efficiency, Hangzhou ConfirmWare Technology India Sales Director Dronveer Kaura presented the company’s turnkey solutions for high-efficiency solar module production. He said the Chinese company supplies all equipment required for a module manufacturing line except laminators and testing systems.
Highlighting the importance of cell interconnection in module production, Kaura said the stringer forms the core of the company’s manufacturing line. “The heart of our module manufacturing line is our stringer. ConfirmWare is one of the oldest stringer manufacturers, and this is now the 10th generation of stringers that we have launched,” he said.
Kaura added that the company’s high-speed BC stringers can process up to 12,000 pieces per hour and use a single soldering process to interconnect all strings together, improving throughput and production efficiency.
He also highlighted the company’s 1.2 GW PV module production line, which can produce 2,300 to 3,000 modules per shift. According to Kaura, the equipment is compatible with current and next-generation technologies such as TOPCon, XBC, HJT, and 0BB.
This article is part of TaiyangNews’ multi-part coverage of the TaiyangNews Solar Technology Conference India 2026 (STC.I 2026). Other sessions on day 1 of the STC.I 2026, apart from the inaugural session included policy panel and executive panel. Day 2 also covered market overview.
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