Solar module makers say no to sub 14% power efficiency cells
Nuying Huang & Esther Lam, DigiTimes.com [Tuesday 27 March 2007]
source:DigiTimes
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20070327VL202.html
Persistent enhancement in the power efficiency of solar cells has now prompted more solar module makers to have higher requirements over efficiency rates, and are rejecting solar cells that do not fulfill their requirements. Solar cells that only achieve a power conversion rate of 14% or below no longer meet many module makers’ cost requirements. Merrill Lynch explained in a March 21 released research report that higher cell efficiency can reduce costs by reducing the physical space and parts required when building a PV system.
Those PV modules that are based on low power efficiency cells also make it harder to obtain certification such Europe’s TUV and the US’s UL schemes which are now widely penetrated in the industry, Taiwan PV systems makers commented. Some solar cell makers, on the other hand, blame the shortage of polysilicon as the major cause for the inability to enhance power efficiency as the purity of polysilicon determines yields and subsequent efficiency. Those players who have a lower material sufficiency or source polysilicon from unknown channels have to sacrifice their yields to guarantee shipments.
Among the leading solar cell makers in Taiwan, Motech Industries and E-ton Solar Tech are well position in terms of cell power efficiency, according to Merrill Lynch. The equity firm highlights that Motech is expected to boost its conversion rate (multi-crystalline) from 15.5% to 17% by end of 2009, implying 13% more watts per wafer. Merrill Lynch also highlighted that a 1% difference in power conversion rate means an additional 5% watt content per piece of cell and a meaningful contribution to profitability.
Taiwan solar cell makers power conversion rates overview, 2006 (%)
Motech : Monocrystalline: 16.5; multicrystalline: 15.5
E-ton : Monocrystalline: 17 ; multicrystalline: 16
Gintech : Monocrystalline: 16 ; multicrystalline: 13
Suntech : Monocrystalline: 16.5 ; multicrystalline: 15.3
NeoSolar : Monocrystalline: 16.5 ; multicrystalline: 15.5
Source: Merrill Lynch, compiled by DigiTimes, March 2007