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One of the worlds largest manufacturers of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD), Taiwan based AU Optronics Corp has announced plans to start an a-Si thin film pilot line using what it describes as a ‘third generation’ technology with conversion efficiencies in the 10% range, starting in 2009.

“AUO is now extending its innovations into the clean energy industry, seeking a win-win situation for CSR fulfillment in protecting the environment and promising green business opportunities for the TFT-LCD industry," said Dr. LJ Chen, President and COO of AUO. "We also welcome more people and companies to join us. Together, we can strive to advance Taiwan's green energy industry toward a more international level."

The thin film pilot line will be based at its R&D facility in Taichung, Taiwan and will be operated within a new ‘Energy Project Office,’ the company said in a statement. The company expects to make further details available on its move into the solar market at an investor’s conference to be held later on January 22nd, 2009. AU Optronics Corp is a multi-billion US$ dollar company employing over 40,000 people.