Thin-film solar firms urged to expand into solar PV systems to stay abreast in today’s solar market

May 16, 2012
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

A report from Digitimes has provided musings on how thin-film face an uphill battle in the current market.  According to the report, solar firms will need to segue from being thin-film solar module providers to solar PV system project designers and suppliers in order to stay competitive. According to the report, as silicon-based solar product prices drop, thin-film solar products have been sidelined, especially during the past year.

The report notes that when the ratio of solar modules and balance of system for silicon-based solar systems was 1:2, thin-film PV systems were considered more competitive on the per-watt basis. However, as the ration became 3:1, according to Digitimes, thin-film solar products have lost their edge. The report goes on to counter that in order for thin-film solar firms to continue being relevant in the solar market, they must promote the conversion efficiency to surpass 12%. 

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

Read Next

Premium
December 11, 2025
Slowing solar PV and energy storage installations in Europe risks “competitiveness and security at a pivotal moment”, according to the head of SolarPower Europe.
December 11, 2025
The European Commission has proposed improvements to Europe’s energy infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the grid permitting process.
December 11, 2025
Italy has awarded 88 projects for a combined 1.1GW of solar PV in its Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) non-price criteria FER-X auction.
December 11, 2025
Floating solar PV (FPV) firm Ciel & Terre has unveiled a new floating structure, dubbed WattRack, with a rail-based structure.
December 10, 2025
The US SEIA has named board chair Darren Van’t Hof as interim president and CEO, to begin work 20 January 2026.
December 10, 2025
Italy's NZIA FER-X auction aims to diversify Europe's supply chain, but this brings its own challenges, writes Patrizio Donati.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA