Key takeaways:
Autowell’s AM059B combines layup and bussing in a single system, completing both steps within a 36-second cycle
The tool supports multiple cell sizes and busbar formats and integrates automated inspection for string positioning and quality control
The system is designed to process a range of module formats while maintaining automated bussing operations
Once all the cell strings are laid onto the front glass and encapsulant stack, the next step in the assembly line is bussing. In this process, the individual strings are electrically connected to each other using wider ribbons, sometimes called busbars (not to be confused with cell busbars). Bussing connects strings in series and parallel to achieve the desired voltage and current.
Bussing has evolved from manual soldering to the current mainstream automatic process. In an auto-bussing machine, busbars of the required lengths are cut, segmented, and positioned above the incoming pre-laminate stack, consisting of glass, encapsulant, and the laid-up string matrix, as it is conveyed into the machine. Once the stack is correctly positioned, the entire string matrix is lifted to align with the prepositioned busbars. The busbars are then brought into contact with the extended string ribbons and soldered. After soldering, the interconnected matrix is placed back onto the glass and encapsulant stack and conveyed to the next step.
For the TaiyangNews Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, 3 companies have provided data for 3 auto-bussing models, one each from Autowell, Mondragon, and Jinchen.
One key feature of Autowell’s AM059B is its ability to perform both layup and bussing. The cycle time for both these steps is 36 s, which is much lower than the cycle time of the layup process alone with some machines. Not many manufacturers currently offer this integrated layup and bussing process.
The equipment is designed to process strings with cell sizes ranging from 156 to 230 mm and in 5 to 24BB formats. The company hasn’t specified several tool setup and performance parameters for this model. Before bussing, the flux is applied through a spray mechanism. The pull force required to detach the soldered joint is 5 N/mm, comparable to that of other auto-bussing machines in the market. In terms of performance, the tool has a mechanical yield of at least 99.5%, defined as the module yield. The company boasts an over 55% improvement in the overall assembly line yield, in addition to a 5% lower pre-lamination rework rate. The tool also features integrated AI inspections and can support multiple module technologies. The string positioning accuracy has a deviation of ±0.15 mm for this product. The system has an uptime of 99.5% and 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.
