Critical Cost Reduction Targets Identified in the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics
Critical Cost Reduction Targets Identified in the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics
Last week at the PV Fab Managers Forum in Berlin, the Crystalline Silicon PV Technology and Manufacturing Group (CTM), in cooperation with SEMI PV Group released the 2010 International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV). The Roadmap identifies and targets critical technology needs and cost reduction goals for PV materials, manufacturing methods and processes.
Markus Fischer, director of R&D Processes at Q-Cells Technology department
said, “We started the discussions with just nine cell manufacturing companies’
one-and-a-half years ago. In the last 12 months we had 35 meetings, talks and
teleconferences with experts from all along the supply chain. The 2011 edition
of the International Technology Roadmap is written based on the input from
approximately 40 companies and institutes, representing an enormous level of
effort by the industry and significant progress in mapping key areas of
improvement.”
One key insight derived from the roadmapping effort is the need for cost
reduction in metallization pastes used for cell processing which are “the most
process critical and expensive materials in cell production besides the wafer
itself.” As part of Roadmap goals, the CTM is targeting a reduction in silver
usage from 0.25 grams per cell today to 0.1 grams per cell by 2015. Other
critical technology improvements identified by the report are poly-silicon and
consumables pricing, wafer thickness, glass absorption/reflection,
manufacturing throughput and yield improvements, equipment productivity, and
other areas.
The Roadmap aims to inform suppliers and customers about expected technology
trends in the field of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics and sets a
basis to intensify the dialog on required improvements and standards. The
second edition of the ITRPV was jointly prepared by leading European c-Si solar
cell manufacturers, module manufacturers, and wafer suppliers. Feedback and
input from various institutes, equipment suppliers and providers of production
materials was also included. The information will be updated and published
yearly to ensure good communication between manufacturers and suppliers
throughout the value chain.
Ralf Lüdemann, SolarWorld Innovation’s managing director and chair of the CTM
group, said “The global infrastructure of an association like SEMI PV Group is
of utmost importance to reach the goals we have in mind. We realized the
complexity of such a roadmap approach, but at the same time are very satisfied
with the latest updates. To further increase the value and consistency of the
ITRPV, we are constantly considering how to involve other industry stakeholders
to provide input. So it is also foreseen to include the input of non-European
PV players in the publication. The experience of SEMI in coordinating
technology developments on a global basis (e.g. SEMI International Standards)
will certainly be of great help to achieve this goal.”
The CTM Group
(Bluechip Energy, Bosch Solar, Q-Cells, SCHOTT Solar, Solarworld, Solland,
Sovello, and Sunways) have established a crystalline solar cell technology
roadmap up to the year 2020. The roadmap describes the development of
crystalline solar cell technology with focus on materials, manufacturing
processes, and product development. The CTM Group has a clear goal— to roll-out
the roadmapping effort on a global scale. The first of these discussions will
occur during Intersolar Munich. Strong involvement from all stakeholders in the
value chain is needed.
Download the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics at http://www.pvgroup.org/node/1271.
The report is also available from the ITRPV website at iprpv.net and SEMI PV Group at www.pvgroup.org.
SEMI PV Group, The Grid – March 2011
