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

March 23, 2026
French energy major TotalEnergies and Switzerland-based building materials firm Holcim have commissioned a 31MW floating solar PV plant in Obourg, Belgium. 
March 23, 2026
Yield uncertainty represents different things and different challenges, depending on who’s looking at it, writes Solargis' Marcel Suri.
March 23, 2026
PV recycling capacity in Europe is lagging behind forecast waste volumes over the coming decades, according to a new study.
March 23, 2026
Nearly a year after the Iberian blackout, an expert panel has released its final report regarding the causes that resulted in a combination of “many interacting factors”.
March 23, 2026
Statkraft has started commercial operations at two solar PV projects in the Republic of Ireland, with a combined capacity of 206MW.
March 23, 2026
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has denied the development of a 94MW solar project following “substantial” opposition from local residents.

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