Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaics

I saw a documentary on a new solar PV technology within the past year or two. It was interesting in that it still produced electricity (although in reduced amounts) when the sky is cloudy.

I'm not 100% sure of it, but I think this is the technology. Stanford Ovshinsky is the inventor, and the name seems familiar (from the documentary).

Amorphous Silicon vs. Crystalline Silicon = "The amorphous silicon created at the plant is more efficient at absorbing light than crystalline silicon so the manufacturer uses less material for the same output while making a durable film that can be readily incorporated into roofing materials."

Thin-Film = 10 microns in thickness = reduced cost

Here are some links::

Press releases and info from www.electrifyingtimes.com:

http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/bekaertECD.html

United Solar, building on technology pioneered by ECD, is the world leader in thin-film amorphous photovoltaics. ECD and United Solar hold the basic patents covering the continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing of thin-film amorphous silicon alloy multi-junction solar cells and related products. United Solar and Bekaert ECD Solar Systems offer a line of solar electric roofing panels, which are unique, flexible, lightweight and architecturally attractive. More information is available at http://www.uni-solar.com.

Here is a link to information on residential applications. The best I can tell, the film can be applied to metal roofing panels. It looks like a disadvantage is that it only has a 20 year life span - although 20 years is a pretty long time.

Here is a link to distributors for pricing and availability:

http://www.uni-solar.com/interior.asp?id=106

Here is a link called "Solar Success Stories" - actual projects:

http://www.uni-solar.com/interior.asp?id=73

I'll check into pricing and let you know what I find out...

Tags: photovoltaic, solar, solar pv technology

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Comment by Alex Long on August 11, 2008 at 5:03pm: Thanks for the info Robert! As usual, supply and demand in effect. If more people would start installing PV, in theory, the pricing would come down.

So I'm curious, that's a State tax break by NC, anything from the utility? Austin Energy pays $4.50 per watt, so $4,500 on 1kW. But in Texas, there is no income tax.

Comment by Robert Smith on August 11, 2008 at 2:22pm: Sure!
You're right about Stan Ovshinsky. He invented amorphous PV, and was the early promoter of the hydrogen economy. I install Uni-Solar panels in central NC. They are competetively priced with silicon; but are lighter, cost less to install, have a higher peak power output, and better low light characteristics--about 15-20% more power overall.
If a business or individual can deduct the NC and Federal tax breaks (65%), installed panels cost about 5.6 cents per KW averaged over their life span of 20 years. Without zero tax breaks, they cost about 16 cents per kilowatt hour, averaged over 20 years.
I'm hoping for a car I can plug into my solar panels at night--instead of buying gas.

Comment by Kurt Stiffel on August 11, 2008 at 12:13pm: Solar is really coming into its own...
I'll check these links and give you some feedback, thank you, Kurt