Current and future challenges in the production of thin-film solar cells and modules were the key topic of the presentations given by members of leading research institutes, equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Due to the cost pressure in the thin-film solar industry, the participants focused on cost-effective production technologies and methods of inline quality assurance. In addition, new material and module concepts with the potential to further increase the efficiency of thin-film modules were discussed.
The workshop featured a cross-disciplinary discussion on possibilities to increase the efficiency of solar cells based on copper, indium, gallium, sulphur and selenium (CIGS) and to reduce investment and manufacturing costs at the same time. The sessions have been chaired by the members of the Programme Committee: Dr Paul Mogensen, Avancis GmbH & Co. KG, Torgau, Dr Ludwig van Loyen, EFDS, Dresden, Bernhard Dimmler, Manz AG, Schwäbisch Hall, and Dr Peter Wohlfart, Head of Research and Development, Singulus Technologies AG.
Transfer of new revolutionary Technologies from Lab to Fab
Thin-film photovoltaics have to compete not only with other solar cell technologies but also with fossil and other renewable energy sources. This requires the development of new production technologies that increase efficiency and productivity. The interdisciplinary debate revealed that there are promising technology approaches in research labs that now need to be transferred into industrial production. This transfer from lab to fab can only be achieved by a cooperation of cell manufacturers, equipment suppliers and institutes, whereat equipment suppliers play a major role to enable these revolutionary developments.
Dr. Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO of Singulus Technologies AG: As an innovative development partner, it is our goal to support the transfer of new technologies for high-efficient solar cells into industrial production. So we are delighted to take this cross-disciplinary debate forward along with the European Society of Thin Films and leading developers, manufacturers and suppliers.
