The PV Group, a special interest group of SEMI, has announced the formation of Photovoltaic Standards Committees in Japan and Taiwan.
The initial focus of work in the Japan Committee will be to standardize the dimensions of thin-film substrates; while in Taiwan the Committee will build on the recently started development standards for crystalline-silicon cell appearance as well as a vibration test method.
The aim of these Committees is to lower costs, improve quality and accelerate innovation in the PV industry. The PV Group promotes standards development for all aspects of PV manufacturing including thin films, machine interface, process control and others through the SEMI International Standards process and in collaboration with partner associations around the globe.
The PV Standards Committee's charter is to explore, evaluate, discuss, and create consensus-based standard measurement methods, specifications, guidelines, and practices. Through voluntary compliance, these consensus-based standards promote mutual understanding and improved communication between users and suppliers of photovoltaic manufacturing equipment, materials and services.
The SEMI PV Group has also recently released a Standards Guidance Document that identified 64 SEMI Standards topics as "Applicable" to the PV industry.
The new standards development groups join SEMI Standards committees in Europe and North America, which have been active since 2006.