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A CdTe Thin Film Module Factory with a Novel Process

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Nicola Romeo
Affiliation:
nicola.romeo@unipr.it, University of Parma, v.le G.P. Usberti, Parma, 43100, Italy
Alessio Bosio
Affiliation:
alessio.bosio@unipr.it, University, Physics Dept., Parma, Italy
Alessandro Romeo
Affiliation:
alessandro.romeo@univr.it, University, Physics Dept., Verona, Italy
Samantha Mazzamuto
Affiliation:
samantha.mazzamuto@unipr.it, University, Physics Dept., Parma, Italy
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Abstract

The CdTe thin film module technology can be considered mature for large scale application.

First Solar is now capable of producing more than 400MW/year of CdTe modules and it is still increasing its production. First Solar also announced that they can get a production cost close to 1$/W. A further cost reduction will render this kind of energy production competitive with the energy obtained from fossil fuels.

In our laboratory we developed a novel dry process that could further reduce the production cost.

This process is now being used by a new company (Arendi Spa) in a line that will produce ∼15-18MW/year. Half of the line has been already built and the complete line should be ready in July 2009. The module production will start at the end of 2009.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2009

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