SOLAR MATERIAL SCIENCE AT INDIUM CORPORATION

摘要

The solar industry has grown tremendously over the last few years driven primarily by government subsidies and in part, by concerns over rising oil prices, increased air pollution and global warming. This has resulted in a significant increase in the cost-per-unit of energy. The primary goal for the solar industry is to optimize economies by adding capacity and reducing the cost per watt produced by a solar cell. This goal has been difficult to achieve due to a shortage of key materials and components, reliability issues of existing and new materials, in addition to various challenges in commercializing innovative manufacturing technology.Various incumbent and startup companies have faced a shortage of key materials such as silicon and solder tabbing ribbon. Concerns about future shortage of indium and gallium have created uncertainty in the minds of investors supporting commercialization. Moreover, availability of innovative materials such as custom alloy sputtering targets, and advanced formulation metallization pastes and inks have been a developmental bottleneck.Although short term bottlenecks exist in supply of key components and materials, better communication and alignment of technology, product development, and capacity roadmaps between solar manufacturers and suppliers, are critical for success.