High ASPs draw attention for see-through BIPV solar modules
by Nuying Huang, Taipei; Esther Lam
Source: DIGITIMES, 26 May 2008
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080523PD211.html
The price premium for see-through building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) materials over conventional BIPV materials has drawn attention among solar module companies to gear up their deployments. Thin-film solar cells can be integrated into exterior glass walls via laser patterning. Since the processed solar modules have higher transparency compared to conventional modules, they do not necessary have to be placed on rooftops, industry players commented.
Currently Japan-based Kaneka is the market leader foe see-through thin-film solar modules, while leading solar cell maker Sharp also supplies a limited volume of see-through BIPV solar modules. As the number of suppliers is limited, average selling prices (ASPs) per watt averages at US$6-10, with the highest rate even hitting US$13, equivalent to four times that of conventional thin-film solar modules, according to industry sources.
Despite the competitive ASPs offered by see-through modules, the industry players noted that yields still present a challenge. Additionally, the required laser patterning equipment incurs further costs, they noted.