Consortia focused on photovoltaic Ru26D, manufacturing, and testing: A review of existing models and structures

摘要

As the U.S. Department of Energyu27s (DOEu27s) Solar Energy Technologies Program prepares to initiate a new cost-shared research and development (Ru26D) effort on photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing, it is useful to review the experience to date with consortia focused on PV Ru26D, manufacturing, and testing. Information was gathered for this report by conducting interviews and accessing Web sites of 14 U.S. consortia and four European consortia, each with either a primary focus on or an emerging interest in PV technology Ru26D, manufacturing, or testing. Additional input was collected from several workshops held by the DOE and National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 2009, which examined the practical steps -- including public-private partnerships and policy support -- necessary to enhance the United Statesu27 capacity to competitively manufacture photovoltaics. This report categorizes the 18 consortia into three groups: university-led consortia, industry-led consortia, and manufacturing and testing facilities consortia. The first section summarizes the organizations within the different categories, with a particular focus on the key benefits and challenges for each grouping. The second section provides a more detailed overview of each consortium, including the origins, goals, organization, membership, funding sources, and key contacts. This survey is a useful resource for stakeholders interested in PV manufacturing Ru26D, but should not imply endorsement of any of these groups.