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Thin Film
Opinion
Emerging from stealth, Part III: Solyndra launches impressively, but questions remain
After hearing the Solyndra story from CEO Chris Gronet and VP Kelly Truman, touring the front-end factory floor, and seeing the 50-KW demonstration system on the roof, I must admit that I am impressed by the cylindrical CIGS company. The pairing of its unique and compelling form factor and significantly lower installation costs could be a winning combination in the lucrative low-slope commercial rooftop PV market. But there are several areas of concern in need of clarification, so one can more comprehensively evaluate whether Solyndra's prospects for success are indeed, er, tubular.
Read more >>News
Johanna Solar starts CIGSSe thin-film solar PV module production
German company Johanna Solar Technology has started production on its copper-indium-gallium-sulphur-selenium (CIGSSe) thin-film solar photovoltaic glass-module manufacturing line. The panels made at the 30-MW factory will be distributed by aleo solar starting in summer 2009.
EPV’s New Jersey thin-film facility is operational
EPV Solar, Inc. announced that its 30,000 square foot, 20MW facility is Robbinsville, NJ, US is producing and shipping thin-film amorphous silicon solar modules. The company moved its corporate offices to Robbinsville in the beginning of 2007 and shortly thereafter began renovating the space for the new plant. In June 2008, EPV started equipment installation at the site with all systems being in production by October 2008.
Masdar PV teams with Helmholtz-Zentrum to increase PV modules efficiency
The Solarserver: Forum for Solar Energy reports that Masdar PV GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Masdar Future Energy Company, is partnering with Helmholtz-Zentrum for Materials and Energy to increase the efficiency of large-area PV modules. The partnership falls under the new thin-film PV Competence Centre Berlin, a JV of HZB and the Technical University of Berlin.
Sharp and Enel set up joint venture for spring 2009
Sharp Corporation and Enel SpA, Italy’s largest power company, are to set up a joint venture in the spring of 2009 which will operate as an independent power producer developing PV power plants with a total capacity of 189MW by the end of 2012.The various power plants will be set up in southern Italy using thin-film solar cells.
XsunX signs 15-MW thin-film solar PV sales contract
XsunX has signed a two-year, multimillion-dollar supply contract for the sale of 15 MW of its ASI-120 tandem-junction amorphous-silicon thin-film photovoltaic solar modules to an unnamed full-service solar power company, which specializes in commercial and solar farm projects in the California and Hawaiian markets.
Suntech’s ‘SunFab’ line near completion
Suntech Power Holdings' first thin-film line using Applied Materials' ‘SunFab’ turnkey technology will complete installation by the end of the year, noted Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech’s Chief Technology Officer, during a conference call with financial analysts.
Featured Articles
First Edition: Thin-film CIGS starts to come of age
The next two years will be crucial in determining the market viability and future of what many see as the most promising thin-film photovoltaics technology: copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) and its gallium-free cousin, CIS.
Spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization: silicon-based solar cells
James N. Hilfiker & Ron A. Synowicki, J.A. Woollam Co., Inc.
ABSTRACT
Research and production of state-of-the-art solar cells requires accurate thin-film measurements. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) provides non-destructive characterization by detecting changes in polarization when light reflects from a layered structure (Figure 1). Measurements can be applied to all types of thin films: dielectrics, semiconductors, thin metals and organics. For most, SE is used to determine film thickness and optical constants from the interaction between probe beam and the thin films. Many additional properties can be determined from the changes they produce on optical constants – including composition, crystallinity, porosity, conductivity, surface roughness, and more.
Read more >>Product Briefings
New Product: Oerlikon Solar launches ‘Amorph High Performance’ thin film technology
Product Briefing Outline: Oerlikon Solar has introduced its next generation ‘Amorph High Performance’ thin film technology. Oerlikon Solar has claimed a major leap forward in panel performance by achieving more than 7% stabilized efficiency that has enabled a 16% increase in panel power output. The company said that more than 500,000 panels of the new technology have been produced. ‘Amorph High Performance’ fab capacity is also claimed to be up by more than 50% without an increase in fab cost. This has significantly raised economic viability for this high growth PV technology. Oerlikon has already been granted the requisite master certificates from TÜV.
New Product: ISOPAD Big Heating plates enable larger panel photovoltaic cells
Product Briefing Outline: Isopad has developed heating panels that offer equipment manufacturers of thin film photovoltaic cells the chance to make significantly larger cells – and lower the cost per watt of energy generated. Recent expansion of manufacturing capacity means shorter lead times & reliable delivery for these key sub assemblies.
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