Terrestrial photovoltaic technologies-recent progress in maufacturing RD

摘要

This paper describes photovoltaics (PV) as used for energy generation in terrestrial applications. A brief historical perspective of PV developmenty is porovided. Solar-to-electricity conversion efficiencies for various photovoltaic materials are presented, as well as expectations for further material improvements. Recent progress in reducing manufacturing costs through process R&D and product improvments are described. Applications that are most suitable for the different technologies are discussed. Finally, manufacturing capacities and current and projected module manufacturing costs are presented.