Photovoltaic Systems Development and Manufacturing
At a BP Solar manufacturing facility, solar cells are automatically sorted after they complete the final testing phase. BP Solar is a DOE Technology Pathway Partnership winner.
PIX# 15377
The Solar Energy Technologies Program photovoltaic (PV) research in systems development and manufacturing focuses on activities that are closer to mass production and capable of delivering solar electricity at competitive target costs.
This research and development (R&D) is divided into three areas:
- Technology Pathway Partnerships — focuses on PV component and system design that is ready for mass production and capable of lowering the cost of PV-generated electricity to reach grid parity by 2015.
- University Photovoltaic (PV) Product and Process Development — targets materials science and process engineering research by universities in support of industry-led teams, developing new PV systems for commercialization by 2010 to 2015.
- PV Supply Chain and Cross-Cutting Technologies — reduces manufacturing and product costs by improving processes and materials common to PV manufacturing that have the potential to impact the PV industry within 2 to 6 years.
These R&D activities provide significant opportunities for collaboration and partnership among industry and university researchers on developing commercialized components and systems.