Photovoltaic Solar Cells Technology

First Solar
has made the Promise of Thin Film a Reality and has become one of the fastest growing manufacturers of solar modules in the world. TechnologyFirst Solar manufactures PV modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor process that Lowers the Cost of Solar Electricity: CdTe module costs well below $1.00/Wp (more on Technology)
Products FS Series PV modules are designed for use in large scale, grid-connected solar power plants and are sold to leading solar project developers for use in commercial PV projects. (more on Products)"
Applications First Solar application engineers work closely with our project development partners to design the optimal balance of systems solutions for use with First Solar PV modules, ensuring high performance and long term reliability. (more on Applications)
Product Life First Solar is committed to Improving the Global Environment. " more"

Miasolé manufactures the first solar technology inexpensive and plentiful enough to make solar power practical for large-scale use.
Miasolé manufactures a thin-film photovoltaic cell. It consists of an ultra-thin layer of photoactive material (copper indium gallium diselenide, or CIGS) on a stainless steel foil only 50 microns thick. It can easily be used in PV modules or incorporated into building materials like membrane roofing.
CIGS is a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (Cu(In,Ga)Se2). When combined in the proper ratios, these materials form a semiconductor that can be applied as a thin film to create photovoltaic cells on many carrier substrates. The CIGS ("absorber") layer absorbs photons, the first step in the transformation of solar energy to electricity.
Advantages over Crystalline Silicon
Less expensive per Watt - More efficient in low-angle and low-light conditions - Extremely lightweight Flexible enough to conform to small-radius curves - Stable and reliable (even self-healing) in real-world conditions" more

"Konarka's Power Plastic is made using low cost organic materials (organic photovoltaics, or OPV). Such 3rd generation technologies are rapidly emerging to displace 1st and 2nd generation technologies by overcoming their technical limitations and delivering a truly cost-effective renewable power solution (..)
It has been estimated that 3rd generation solar technologies will achieve higher efficiencies and lower costs than 1st or 2nd generation technologies (Green, M., Third Generation Photovoltaics, Advanced Solar Energy Conversion). Today, the 3rd generation approaches being investigated include dye-sensitized titania solar cells, organic photovoltaics, tandem cells, and materials that generate multiple electron-hole pairs. To maximize performance, Konarka scientists have been involved in research efforts in all of these areas, including novel combinations of these approaches. " more

" Plexcore technology is designed to maximize the efficiency, lifetime and stability of printed electronic devices - OLED displays and lighting, polymer solar cells and plastic circuitry... more

Plexcore PV for Solar Cells

Crystalline silicon-based solar energy systems are a capital intensive form of renewable energy at $5/watt. Plexcore PV is a p-type semiconductor with tunable energy and bandgap that will improve the efficiency and lifetime of organic (or polymer) solar cells. It can be printed onto substrates enabling large area, low-cost solar cell production that will drive the cost toward the commercially viable $1/watt. "

SunPower designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency solar electric technology worldwide.

Based on more than 20 years of innovation, we deliver proven solar performance to residential, commercial, and utility-scale power plant customers.

Our high-efficiency solar cells, panels and systems deliver significantly more energy per unit area than competing systems.

Our customers benefit from lower electric bills, meaningful financial returns and maximum carbon emissions savings.

At SunPower, we see a future where solar power is an essential component of the global energy mix. We work every day to continuously set new standards for solar performance, value, appearance and our customers experience. " more

"The interaction of light with semiconductors is at the core of some of the most important innovations of our time. Nearly all imaging, communications, machine automation, solar energy, and chemical detection depend on photonic devices to transform light into electrical signal.

SiOnyx is the leading innovator in shallow junction photonics, a patented semiconductor process that dramatically enhances the performance of the light sensing devices commonly used in consumer, industrial, medical and defense related applications. (Link to Eric Mazure the discovery of black silicon and Femtosecond laser pulses: Optical hyperdoping black silicon)

"Shallow junction photonics is a patented semiconductor process that exploits unique atomic level alterations that occur in materials irradiated by high intensity lasers. The SiOnyx process employs a powerful, femto-second laser that exposes the target semiconductor to high intensity pulses as short as one billionth of a millionth of a second.

Crystalline materials subject to these intense localized energy events under go a transformative change, the atomic structure becomes instantaneously disordered and new compounds are "locked in" as the substrate re-crystallizes. When applied to silicon, the result is a highly doped, optically opaque, shallow junction interface that is thousands of times more sensitive to light than conventional semiconductor materials." more

" Abound Solar is a manufacturer of thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Abound Solar's proprietary technology enables the production of PV modules at a current cost below $1 / watt, significantly reducing the cost of generating solar electricity. Production capacity can be scaled rapidly to meet the fast growing demand for solar energy.

Using cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film technology, Abound Solar has perfected a robust, industrial-scale, continuous process for producing solar PV modules. Over the past five years, Abound Solar has successfully performed testing simulating 30 years of field exposure. These tests indicate efficiency and stability performance comparable to the leading CdTe-based modules currently on the market." more

"PrimeStar Solar was formed in June 2006 to develop and commercialize cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film photovoltaic modules.
Prime Star Solar is working closely with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and are licensing several of their patents.
PrimeStar Solar sees great opportunity in meeting US and international demand for economical PV modules.
The goal is to be part of the solution to energy supply and environmental issues, including energy self-reliance and climate change." more

"Energy Photovoltaics, Inc. (EPV) is a solar energy company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets low-cost amorphous silicon ("a-Si") thin-film photovoltaic ("PV") solar modules for the growing international renewable energy market. Located near Princeton, New Jersey, USA, EPV is a privately owned company that has been at the forefront of research, development, and commercialization of thin-film PV technologies since 1991 when it was founded by pioneers in the solar industry. EPV produces solar modules using proprietary manufacturing equipment - the EPV Integrated Manufacturing System ("IMS"), which is based on EPV's commercially proven batch manufacturing process. EPV plans joint ventures based on the IMS capability to expand capacity at manufacturing locations throughout the world. The joint ventures will work to aggressively increase market share in these emerging markets.
In advancing amorphous silicon thin-film technology, EPV recognizes that there exists a growing interest in the cost of energy per kilowatt hour of production. EPV has focused on the development of thin-film modules to produce PV modules that generate solar electricity at the lowest possible price per kilowatt-hour. Among other positive attributes, amorphous silicon modules generate more electricity per unit of installed capacity than do crystalline silicon modules, leading to lower electricity generating costs and superior economics for many applications. " more

" Evergreen Solar produces a range of high quality poly-crystalline solar panels for on-grid markets offering exceptional performance, extraordinary versatility and industry leading environmental credentials based on our cutting edge String Ribbon wafer technology. "

"Silicon wafers form the basis of solar cells and the bulk of all solar panels made today. Conventional technologies for producing silicon wafers are based on energy-intensive casting and oil-based machining and cutting of large silicon blocks. Not something you’d expect from a hi-tech, clean energy product. Our cutting-edge wafer technology in contrast is genius in its simplicity, efficiency and cleanliness.

Our String Ribbon wafers originate from the natural science of "surface tension". In simple terms the making of a String Ribbon wafer is just like the making of a soap bubble — the surface tension between the soapy bubble solution and the wand creates the bubble.

The only difference is that instead of the "ring" inside which a bubble forms, we use two parallel high-temperature filaments between which a thin film of silicon is formed. With our proprietary technique, two high-temperature filaments are pulled vertically through a silicon melt, and the molten silicon spans and solidifies between the filaments."

"Soliant Energy is an award-winning manufacturer of innovative concentrating solar panels. Our rooftop solar concentrator offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for solar electric systems.
Soliant uses the latest in solar cell technology. By using specialized triple-junction cells, our rooftop solar concentrator can capture more of the sun's energy than conventional solar panels.
Product Features: Concentrates the sun 500x - Fully integrated tracking within the module Internal sensors for automatic alignment - Bypass diodes for high shade tolerance - Durable rigid frame with low wind profile - Passive thermal cooling - Zero maintenance design.
Triple-junction cells use specialized materials to capture a wider range of solar energy. While standard silicon cells only capture 15-20% of the sun's rays, today's triple junction cells can capture as much as 40% or more" more

"Our mission is to provide solar energy generation at a cost equal to or better than traditional electric generation from natural gas, oil, and even coal. To achieve this goal, we've developed technology that eliminates the cost barriers to solar energy production.
Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV)
High costs have been the roadblock keeping solar from realizing its potential. Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) technology, which concentrates a large amount of sunlight onto a small amount of active solar material, seeks to overcome the issues. CPV technology is increasingly recognized as the most promising technology to drive solar energy generation to cost-parity with energy generated using fossil fuels. " more

" Nanosolar is a global leader in solar power innovation. We are setting the standard for affordable green power with solar cell technology of distinctly superior cost efficiency, versatility, and availability.

Our mission is very simple: A Solar Panel on Every Building -- so that buildings everywhere will be hybrid energy buildings, synergistically switching between clean locally-produced solar energy (used during peak-time electricity usage hours just when electricity is the most valuable) and grid-delivered backend power (delivered in the evening or whenever the solar resources are not available).

Leveraging recent science advances in nanostructured materials, Nanosolar has developed proprietary high-yield high-throughput thin-film process technology based on the economics of printing (non-vacuum / solution coating). For the first time, this makes it possible to simply print solar cells that are efficient and durable, and fundamentally change the cost efficiency and volume availability of solar electricity."

" Johanna Solar Technology GmbH manufactures thin film solar modules based on CIGSSe-technology which utilises copper, indium, gallium, sulphur and selenium. The manufacturing process of these CIGSSe-solar modules was developed and brought to an industrial marketable standard by Professor Vivian Alberts and his team over a twelve year research period at the University of Johannesburg.
Figure 1 shows the construction of the CIGSSe based solar cell in schematic form. By virtue of the fact that CIGSSe is a direct semiconductor with a high absorption capability, layers as thin as just 2'm only are required for absorption of light. The photovoltaic layers are therefore not thicker than a hair.
The p-type CIGSSe absorber layers are deposited on Mo covered glass (back contact) in two steps. At the first step the metal precursors Cu, In and Ga are sputtered onto the Mo covered glass. In the second step the CIGSSe absorber is completed by selenising and sulfurising the precursors due to a diffusion process. The solar cells are finished by chemical bath deposition of a very thin CdS buffer layer and a sequence of an intrinsic ZnO and n-type ZnO:Al window layer by sputter deposition. " more

" Global Solar has developed a proprietary process for manufacturing thin-film Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) modules. Unlike traditional solar panels that are rigid, heavy and fragile, Global Solar's thin-film solar modules are lightweight, flexible and durable. While other companies produce CIGS on glass, Global Solar is the only company with CIGS on flexible materials.

CIGS create more electricity from the same amount of sunlight than does other thin-film PV and therefore has a higher "conversion efficiency". CIGS conversion efficiency is also very stable over time, meaning its performance continues unabated for many years. The performance of many other PV materials can rapidly decline with use. Customers are well aware that Global Solar's CIGS does not suffer the degradation in cell efficiency associated with other thin-film PV. (See conclusions of Israel's Weizmann Institute as published in Renewable Energy World, September 1999, "CIGS Cells are Self-Repairing, Say Researchers"). " more

"The Dye Solar cell has been called the first real revolution in solar energy since the commencement of silicon solar cell work some 40 years ago. It is a new technology with performance characteristics which make it ideal for use on vertical surfaces, indoors or in shadowy conditions.

" Leaves of plants are tiny factories in which sunlight converts carbon dioxide gas and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. They are not very efficient however but are very effective over a wide range of sunlight conditions. In spite of the low efficiency and the fact that the leaves must be replaced, the process has worked for hundreds of millions of years, and forms the primary energy source for all life on earth.
Since the 1970's, attempts have been made to create a better solar cell based on this principle. There were early attempts to cover crystals of semiconductor titanium dioxide with a layer of chlorophyll. However, the electrons were reluctant to move through the layer of pigment, so the efficiency of the first solar cells sensitised in this way was about 0.01% ... "
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Other sites: Gretcell Solar

" PowerFilm, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of thin, flexible solar panels based on a proprietary low cost production process. The company's objective is to target the building integrated solar power market and to continue to supply products for selected portable and remote solar power applications. PowerFilm is based in the state of Iowa in the U.S.
PowerFilm was founded in 1988 by Dr. Frank Jeffrey and Dr. Derrick Grimmer, both former 3M research physicists, with a combined 65 years of experience in semiconductor and solar energy research and development.
Thin Flexible Solar Panels Since 1988, the company has focused on developing thin film solar panel technology and an industrial scale manufacturing process to produce low cost solar panels on a high volume basis. Elements of the company's low cost technology and manufacturing process include the use of: a durable, flexible plastic substrate; roll-to-roll manufacturing to minimize handling costs; amorphous silicon to avoid dependence on the silicon wafer market cycle; and printed interconnection to automate the cell connection process... " more

"Entech Solar's SolarVolt system is based on proprietary concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology that produces cost-competitive electricity. With over 25 years of experience, Entech's SolarVolt system is one of the few successfully demonstrated systems in the industry today.
Benefits:
Low-Cost
By concentrating the sun 20X, reduces silicon requirements by 95% compared to traditional PV systems.
Reliable Production Performance
Superior optical design of lens results in high error tolerance, enabling reliable, continuous production of energy even in the harshest environment.
Proven Performance and Reliability
Over 25 years of product development and successful field performance
Fixed Hedge Against Electricity
Minimizes customer's vulnerability to increasing, volatile electricity prices... " more

HE Optics System
Sunlight first meets the HE Optics System at its specially designed and patented, short focal-length, acrylic concentrating lens. As the rays pass through the lens, the light reflects and refracts, raising the sunlight concentration to 6,500 suns on a small pinpoint of light. A secondary optic, with its specially manufactured glass body, captures this pinpoint and deposits the concentrated solar flux evenly on a small multi-junction PV cell. Together, the elements produce 800 times more electricity than a similarly-sized silicon solar cell.

solar tracking:
Regardless of season or time of day, Pyron Solar efficiently tracks the sun. A platform with multiple arrays, floating close to each other in shallow, evaporation-retardant water, rotate around its vertical axis with the azimuthal travel of the sun. A special gear activates a linkage to allow each floating module to track solar elevation by tilting up and down as needed. The linkages are powered by three small 6-watt motors, the same size used in children's toys." more

" Solar power has emerged as a viable clean energy source, achieving worldwide acceptance and spurring dynamic growth. The mission of XsunX is to become a core technology provider to the OEMs who manufacture products that integrate the properties of solar energy technologies.

" XsunX is focused on lowering the cost of solar power generation and increasing solar energy applications through the development of unique thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) materials, designs, and manufacturing processes. The XsunX vision is that through technological innovation, the cost of solar power generation can continue to be reduced while increasing the spectrum of solar energy applications.
To achieve this vision, the XsunX team of scientists and engineers work with our Scientific Advisory Board (SA) and our research and development partners. Our SA Board includes over 30 years of experience in commercializing advanced thin film processes and includes recognized leaders in solar technology development from major academic institutions in the U.S. XsunX also utilizes experienced scientific consultants, industry partners, government research agencies, and academic institutions." more