Weekly Intelligence Brief

Applied Materials introduces key process efficiencies

12 December 2009

Applied Materials says it has significantly lowered the cost for customers to manufacture solar PV panels on its SunFab Thin Film Line.

The company has leveraged economies of scale with suppliers and has introduced key process efficiencies that reduce the cost of materials by 22%. In order to achieve this, Applied worked with materials suppliers on behalf of its customers to secure lower pricing in key raw materials such as transparent conductive glass and laminating films. Applied says it also engineered and validated more efficient processes that significantly decrease materials consumption.

In addition, SunFab panels using these new materials and processes have received International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification for aperture area conversion efficiencies of up to 9.7%. The IEC certification was awarded to both single and tandem junction modules in all panel sizes by TÜV InterCert

Tom Lacey, vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Solar Group, underlined that the milestone achieved is part of Applied’s ongoing commitment to reduce the cost of manufacturing panels with its SunFab Thin Film Line to $1/watt and below.

 
12th November 2009, Thin Film Today news desk