A SOLAR CELL PRIMER FOR THE PCB INDUSTRY

摘要

Photovoltaics (PV) is the electronic industry's younger brother. Each industry shares some DNA - imaged conductors on dielectric material, layered substrates, severe cost pressures, high dependence on innovation and rapidly evolving electrical designs. But the sibling industries are enticingly different. During 2007 and 2008, I embarked on a fact-finding tour into the world of solar cells, with the charter to learn the players, markets, issues and drivers that are shaping this rapidly growing industry. Just like the older brother PCB industry of 1960 through 1990, PV is on a rapid growth spurt. TABLE 1 gives a snapshot of where we are today. There are major changes in store for PV's adolescence, such as the emergence of thin-film and organic photovoltaics, the efficiency gains of chemical metallization and the soon-to-come huge transition from achievement of grid-parity. Who will win - silicon, thin-film or organic PV? Germany, China or the US? IC, PCB or green-field PV makers? Cast away your preconceived notions; it will require a fresh look to synthesize the wish lists from leading solar cell makers and to uncover the real opportunities for next-generation PV.