vapor deposition

Researchers from ten countries assessed the prospects of using vapor-based deposition processes to put perovskite thin film processing on the fast track to commercialization, drawing attention to its merits and key areas to research and develop.

Scientists in Germany applied vapor-based deposition techniques and laser scribed interconnection – both well established processes in existing thin-film solar manufacturing – to fabricate perovskite mini modules. The group achieved a maximum efficiency of 18% for a device measuring 4cm². Relying on these processes, they say, could simplify processing and reduce losses associated with scaling up to commercial-sized devices.

The U.S.-based manufacturer is planning a vertically integrated thin-film solar module manufacturing facility in India. The factory will likely be built in Tamil Nadu and become operational in the second half of 2023.

Researchers in Australia have conducted a ‘cradle to grave’ life cycle assessment (LCA) of the four most widely used PV technologies. The academics say that cadmium telluride solar modules have the lowest life cycle impact, followed by amorphous, multi and monocrystalline silicon products.

EBITDA for the third quarter of 2018 increased 146%, revenue is also performing well, with the company expecting 40% increase throughout the second half of 2018, and the company reports that its gross profit has increased by 64% compared to 2017. Citing significant order increase for solar thin film products the materials suppliers touts strong three quarters of 2018.