What new products or improvements did ATW showcase at The smarter E 2026?
Wang: For the PV sector, ATW highlighted turnkey solutions covering the entire value chain from ingot and wafer to cell and module, alongside its energy storage solutions. Underlying this full-chain capability are breakthroughs in key process equipment. This full-chain capability allows us to understand process interdependencies at a system level, rather than in isolated segments. ATW is responsible not only for equipment delivery but also for ramp-up, yield stability, and operational performance.
ATW had several innovations, including our silver-free 0BB stringers, which are already in mass-production, as well as our ATW multi-cut stringers, which are fully compatible with 3-cut and 4-cut cell technology. We also showcased our TOPCon-to-BC integrated upgrade solution, including our xBC cell interconnection and encapsulation integrity solutions.
We also highlighted our copper paste printing solutions for the PV sector, which we launched in February 2026. And we previewed our magnetron sputtering, evaporation, and ALD equipment for next-generation tandem cell manufacturing, with sample validation planned for 2027.
For energy storage, we showcased our full-stack lithium battery module/PACK manufacturing solutions. And in smart manufacturing, we demonstrated our production line with advanced analytical system and digital twin technologies that can reduce commissioning time by 30-50% and improve yield by 3-8% through real-time closed-loop control.
How is ATW localizing its production capabilities to better serve the European market?
Wang: ATW is actively collaborating with European module manufacturers, cell producers, and system integrators to co-develop solutions tailored to European market requirements. This includes adapting our equipment for European safety standards and sustainability certifications. We’re investing in training programs for European engineers and technicians, in order to build long-term local capability.
ATW’s project management team, engineering service team, and production operation expert team take full responsibilities for the delivery of PV ingot and wafer, cell and module turnkey lines, including on-time delivery, installation and commissioning, production ramp-up, and performance stabilization.
To help us maintain shorter lead times and competitive logistics costs, our Malaysia facility is now operational as a strategic export hub to Europe. And we’re diversifying our component sourcing to include more European and regional suppliers where feasible, aligning with the EU’s push for supply chain transparency and sustainability. Additionally, we are planning to establish a dedicated European service team to provide rapid response, on-site technical support, and spare parts logistics.
What are the biggest challenges to expansion in the European solar and storage market?
Wang: Market environments and execution standards remain quite fragmented across European member states, which means we must be highly flexible and adapt our approach to each local market. Globally, ongoing trade fluctuations and uncertainties also demand much stronger security and stability for transnational supply chains. Right now, Europe’s local supply chain is entering a key phase of development, and the real focus for everyone is how we can lower barriers through efficient industrial collaboration.
To make these initiatives economically viable, local manufacturing has to reach higher efficiency, lower material consumption, and greater automation to build robust cost competitiveness. At the same time, as operations scale up, the real key to successful project execution is rapidly building and empowering local technical teams through effective knowledge transfer and systematic training
Can you talk about any technological developments on ATW’s near-term horizon?
Wang: We’re refining our 0BB technology to support even thinner wafers and larger formats, and our latest generation achieves stable throughput of 10,800 half-cells per hour for 210 mm wafers.
Following our recent launch of copper paste printing solutions, ATW is developing full copper-plating lines for BC cells that could eliminate silver entirely. We’re also advancing our ALD equipment for mass production of our perovskite-silicon tandem cells, which have achieved 33% efficiencies in lab settings. We’re targeting pilot line deliveries in 2027, with initial customer engagement already underway.
In the area of AI-driven smart manufacturing, ATW is committed to integrate digital twin technology that allows customers to simulate entire production lines before physical installation, reducing commissioning time by 30-50% and minimizing costly trial-and-error. Use of edge computing and machine learning in our next-generation equipment will enable self-adjusting process parameters based on real-time sensor data, potentially improving yield by 3-8% and enabling predictive maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime.
Additionally, in anticipation of upcoming EU regulations on product lifecycle responsibility, we’re developing equipment features that support module recycling and material recovery, including easier disassembly designs and process traceability for end-of-life management.
The questions and responses in this sponsored interview article were provided by Autowell.
The post Autowell showcases latest PV and energy storage solutions at The smarter E 2026 appeared first on pv magazine Global.
