After Gutenberg

GCC commentator Henrik cautions that in the forseeable future, the price of CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium and Selenium) photo voltaic modules may increase due to increased PV demand and use of these metals for other consumer electronics.

As previously noted Honda began construction of a ¥7-billion (US$61 million) plant to mass produce solar cells at the end of September 2006. Now Green Car Congress has provided a follow-up report that Honda has begun sales of thin film solar cells.

In noting that Honda now has joined a growing field of manufactures of CIGS solar cells Jim Fraser states the belief that CIGS have a chance to become the low cost PV cell of the future. He is particularly encouraged by the addition of Honda and the recent addition of Q-Cells because of their “global reach and marketing prowess” He now includes those two companies on his list of manufacturers of low cost fairly efficient* solar panels that also includes Daystar, Global Solar, HelioVolt, Konarka, Miasole, and Nanosolar.

* Note: Fairly efficient to Jim Fraser is above 12%. The best silicon solar cells generally available commercially are 22% efficient at converting sunlight that hits them into electricity. The very best performance of any solar cell to date is slightly over 40%.

Like the installation of the Uni-Solar* PVL underway in the picture, contractors appreciate the ease of working with rolls of thin film PVL. The material is a very thin “photo responsive” metal alloy coating on a polymer base; it is flexible, lightweight yet exceptionally durable. Assembly can take place on site, which lessens loss during shipment.

* Note: United Solar Ovonic

At present, the solar cell made by Honda Engineering Co. are available only in Japan, primarily in the Kanto area, through distributors that provide the installation service. And, at a very good says GCC commentator Henrik. From his sample, the average price of a 125W PV module is about $610 while the Honda go for $495.

For how long that we shall continue to see increased installation of thin film PVL (Photo Voltaic Laminates) is at question. Production is ramping up because of the current scarcity of pure silicon; solar modules that use less or no silicon can be made for less. Another reason is that developers have improved production methods. A third reason is that photo electronic engineers have improved PVL efficiency, bringing the level of efficiency closer to what standard silicon cells previously could offer.