Applied Materials cuts IEC-certified SunFab materials costs by 22%

October 29, 2009
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

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 article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“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.

Read Next

March 6, 2026
French energy major TotalEnergies has initiated pilot operations of the first generating unit at its 1GW solar farm in Iraq’s Basra region.
March 6, 2026
US solar manufacturer Silfab Solar has disputed some reports of chemical spillages at its manufacturing facility in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
March 6, 2026
Origis Energy has secured US$545 million in financing for three utility-scale solar projects with a combined capacity of 413MW in Texas.
March 6, 2026
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra has begun the construction of 253MWdc Echols Grove and 188MWdc Cedar Range projects in Texas.
March 6, 2026
Silfab solar has paused operations at its module manufacturing plant in South Carolina following chemical spills.
March 6, 2026
Portland General Electric (PGE) has finalised agreements for more than 1,000MW of new renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the US state of Oregon.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain