At this year's Semicon West trade show in California, Bosch Rexroth showed off an innovative slide-in system for installing frameless thin-film solar modules made by Bosch Solar Energy AG. The ideally matched combination between support and photovoltaic module enables solar modules to be installed twice as fast as they would with conventional mounting systems. Speed is assured due to the reliable, easy-to-use slide-in technology, which relies on tracks instead of the usual clamps. The photovoltaic modules are simply inserted into the guide pieces and fastened instantly. The system cuts installation time in half to 15 seconds per module, meaning around twice as many modules can be installed using Rexroth slide-in technology as they would using a conventional, four-point clamping system in the same amount of time. As installation brackets and clamps are no longer required, material costs are also reduced by about 40 percent.

Over the last year, this intelligent combination between support and photovoltaic module has already proven its worth in different solar parks. The system has already been used to install around 75,000 Bosch modules and, what's more, within a period of two months thanks to quick and easy installation. Bosch offers its own in-house specialists to provide support in planning, system design and professional installation for both smaller solar power systems and major turnkey photovoltaic projects. "Anyone who invests in photovoltaics invests in a pollution-free future. And anyone who chooses Bosch for their photovoltaic project benefits from a global partner network, sees their investment in a system paid off more quickly and is assured high yields on a long-term basis," says Peter Schneidewind, head of sales at Bosch Solar Energy.

Bosch Rexroth and Bosch Solar Energy are exploring further development of this unique integrated system. In the near future, it should be available for framed modules and, consequently, for crystalline applications, smaller rooftop systems and special uses, such as solar systems in coastal areas.