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As developments to the company’s SunFab thin-film module manufacturing line continue, Applied Materials has managed to cut the cost of materials on the line by 22%. The company’s next-generation module technology was applied to establish some process efficiency updates, coupled with new lower pricing arrangements with materials suppliers.

Applied has also gained IEC certification from TÜV Intercert for SunFab panels that will be using these new lower-cost materials and processes for aperture area conversion efficiencies of up to 9.7%. The certification applies to both single- and tandem-junction modules in all panel sizes - good news for those customers wishing to upgrade panel performance without having to seek additional certification.

“This achievement demonstrates Applied’s ongoing commitment to reducing the cost of manufacturing panels with our SunFab Thin Film Line to $1/watt and below,” said Tom Lacey, vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Solar Group.