Some Taiwan solar cell makers reportedly consider giving up thin-film
Nuying Huang, Taipei; Rodney Chan, 29 October 2007
Source: DIGITIMES
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20071029PD203.html
Some Taiwan-based players who are developing thin-film solar cells are considering quitting the segment because of the high technological barrier, difficulties in sourcing funding and marketing concerns, according to market sources. So far, nine Taiwan-based companies have said they are developing thin-film solar cells. But the sources indicated that the huge investments required for the development towards taking the conversion efficiency beyond the current 5-8% has been a major factor causing some of the makers to consider quitting the segment or look into selling their thin-film units.
Motech Industries president Simon Tsuo has said if the conversion efficiency of thin-film solar cells stays at the current levels, they will be products that no one would want even if they are free. He said that is the reason why Motech is not developing thin-film solar cells, which are difficult to volume produce and to market.
Mikio Hatta, solar energy division executive officer of Japan-based thin-film solar module maker Kaneka, recently also warned that fellow industry players can hardly survive the race with crystalline silicon-based solar cell makers if they cannot achieve a power conversion rate of 12-13%.