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

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.

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.

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

"Sunlogics relationships encompass industrial, utility, government, corporate, and retail organizations. Our technology empowers rooftops, parks, canopies and personal applications. Our scope encompasses the nations of the globe. "Our passion encourages us to serve our customers, investors, employees and the people who benefit from our solar developments with excellence."

The company has proprietary solar module manufacturing technology which reduces the weight and material required to build solar modules by 50%.

The company's senior management has extensive global experience in manufacturing of solar modules and engineering and installing solar power generating facilities.

The company has established key business relationships with General Motors and Energizer Battery, Inc.

Global Corporate Headquarters are in Detroit, Michigan. Additional offices are in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and Modesto, California, USA.

Sunlogics will soon offer solar energy solutions for residential markets. As clean energy experts, we will help homeowners reduce their carbon footprints, while using state-of-the-art renewable energy and electric vehicle charging products and services. Included in the upcoming products and services will be home energy solar power systems, web-based power production monitoring, tailored financial lease options, recreational power systems and networked electric vehicle chargers.

The scope of Sunlogics company's current projects and operations include Canada, United States, Europe and China." more

"The Energy Innovations mission is to deliver cost effective, grid-competitive solar electric power.

Our immediate goal is to reduce the payback time for a solar power system so that it becomes a sensible and logical investment to electricity users around the world, whether they are grid-connected or not. Our strategy is to exceed the cost-effectiveness of existing photovoltaic-based systems through innovations in both the collection of solar energy and the generation of electric power from it.

To execute this strategy, we have developed a compact tracking system to concentrate solar energy and a customized photovoltaic cell designed to work efficiently under concentrated sunlight. Our first product is a fully-integrated HCPV system which we are testing extensively to ensure long life, reliability and ease of installation. One generation of the Sunflower has received UL Listing and subsequent generations will be held to the same standard. Once these characteristics are achieved, we will release the product to the US commercial and institutional market. Following successful domestic deployment, we will expand to markets outside the US.

Idealab, the Pasadena, California based technology incubator, has assembled a world-class team of design and engineering talent to bring this vision to reality. This group of professionals, headed by Joe Budano, CEO, represents a blend of talents from the academic, research and business worlds. The funds required to date for the conceptual design, fabrication and other development efforts have been provided by Idealab, MDV-Mohr Davidow Ventures and private investors." ... more

"Power Solutions using EMCORE Concentrator Photovoltaic Arrays (CPV)
Using optical lenses and mirrors we concentrate the sunlight onto a very small, highly efficient Multi-Junction solar cell. For example, under 500-sun concentration, 1 cm2 of solar cell area produces the same electricity as 500 cm2 would, without concentration. This is particularly significant when considering the inherent efficiency advantage of the Multi-Junction technology over Silicon solar cells The use of concentration, therefore, allows substitution of cost-effective materials such as lenses and mirrors for the more costly semiconductor PV cell material.

EMCORE's Multi- Junction Solar Cell Technology Adapted to Terrestrial Power Generation
High efficiency Multi-Junction cells have a significant advantage over conventional silicon cells in concentrator systems because fewer solar cells are required to achieve the same power output.
CPV solar arrays utilize accurate 2-axis sun tracking systems to capture even more of the available sun energy.The high energy output from a more efficient system, and the savings in costly semiconductor area make the application of CPV technology economically advantageous. As Concentrator PV arrays advance on their projected learning curve (high volume manufacturing , increased cell efficiency to > 40%) this technology will continue to dramatically reduce the cost of generating electricity from solar energy. EMCORE is favorably positioned in being vertically integrated in CPV solar cell and systems level capability. We have a substantial ongoing business, and the corporate resources and commitment to competitively bring CPV power to market." 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."

" 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).

As a leading manufacturer of flexible solar technology Global Solar produce CIGS cells at record efficiency and he continue to set the benchmark for integration of solar into innovative applications. Our products range from portable solar chargers and BIPV solutions to military applications and emerging innovations.

PowerFLEX BIPV. Global Solar's high efficiency CIGS solar modules are designed for rooftops. The flexible module fits all roof shapes, is lightweight, and requires no roof perforations or mounting hardware. Global Solar increase the value of each rooftop through improved roof surface coverage, high efficiency, and excellent low light performance." ... 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

"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.

CIGSolar^TM: The Manufacturing Advantage:
CIGSolar^TM is a new hybrid manufacturing solution designed to produce high performance, low-cost thin-film CIGS solar cells. XsunX CIGSolar^TM cells offer a low-cost alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.

CIGSolar^TM Manufacturing Advantage Features
- CIGS: the highest conversion efficiency of any thin-film solar cell
- New, innovative, patent-pending processes and equipment
- Capital-Efficient, turn-key, thin-film manufacturing technology
- Low cost production, high throughput, low Total-Cost-Of-Ownership

XsunX Technology
XsunX patent-pending approach of combining reliable, high output manufacturing technologies with proven small-area evaporation deposition processes delivers the highest efficiency CIGS thin-films. Utilizing rapid single-cell production techniques, our system architecture improves control of the manufacturing environment, resulting in substantially higher levels of quality control and solar cell performance." ... more