They estimate this could result in reduction of module costs by approximately 50% from today's levels to ~$0.40/W, enabling the cost of solar power to become comparable to existing energy costs in most parts of the world.
During the eighteen month period of this project, Crystal Solar demonstrated multiple cell architectures which allow high-efficiency solar panels, developed and productized industrial grade production tools for the manufacture of cost-effective Epi Thin Silicon technology, and completed detailed blue prints for a 100 MW factory. Scientists from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) worked with Crystal Solar in providing overall guidance, assisting with advanced processing and metrology, and verifying the efficiency and reliability of the prototype solar panels. Crystal Solar also collaborated with Georgia Institute of Technology in the silicon solar cell processing during this project.
Crystal Solar is currently commercializing this Epi Thin-Silicon technology and plans to complete pilot production in 2013, followed by high volume manufacturing in 2014.
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