A survey of thin-film solar photovoltaic industry & technologies
Name
234196999-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
11.47 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b607e28166c4bd111dd23d02da58cf63
Author(s)
Grama, Sorin
Advisor(s)
Mary Tripsas.
Alternative Title
Survey of TF solar PV industry and technologies
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
A new type of solar cell technology using so-called thin-film solar photovoltaic material has the potential to make a great impact on our lives. Because it uses very little or no silicon at all, thin- film (TF) solar technology promises to reduce the cost of solar modules to a level where solar power could compete effectively with power generated from fossil fuel alternatives, thus accelerating our society's transition to distributed, renewable forms of energy sources. Furthermore, because thin-film solar PV materials can be applied to surfaces as varied as glass, plastic and flexible metal foils, this emerging technology could open up new range of applications that otherwise would not be possible using traditional solar cells. The scope of this thesis is to analyze the technical merits of the different thin-film solar technologies, their market and applications, and the dynamics of a growing, new industry. We will compare the different thin-film solar technologies against each other and against the dominant poly-silicon technology. Next, we will take a look at the make up of the thin-film industry and study the different technology strategies employed by players in this industry. We'll highlight a few manufacturers of each type of technology and present a snapshot of the industry in terms of current production and forecasted manufacturing capacity. We'll conclude with a technology outlook and recommend possible technology strategies for firms contemplating entering this industry.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-49).
Subjects
System Design and Management Program.
MIT Department
System Design and Management Program.
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
