Where to Cut Costs

Modules are currently sold at around 3 irrespective of the technology on which 

The total silicon consumption for the PV industry eventually exceeded that of the electronics industry for the first time in 2006, with an annual level of over 20 0001. 

The continued success of silicon technology needs to keep progressing in terms of both a reduction of material consumption and an increase in device efficiency. Other goals relate to reduced energy content, environmental aspects, standards and manufacturing aspects such as process automation and control. 

The availability of abundant, low-price silicon feedstock, in the 10-20 kg range for the long term, is a very important point for the possibility of silicon technology progressing as expected in terms of cost reduction. 

Current state-of-the-art manufacturing processes are realized in non-cleanroom classified areas. Automation has been introduced in most manufacturing lines, but substantial progress is needed in view of the further decrease in wafer thickness. 

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