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Sharp Introduces new Thin Film Solar |
Sharp Introduces New Generation of Thin Film Solar Cells in U.S.
Sharp Electronics Corporation has announced that it will shortly introduce a new generation of thin film solar cells in the U.S. market. This development will allow the company to supply product for multi-megawatt, utility-scale projects that are best served by a thin film solution. To handle production of the new line, Sharp will construct new manufacturing facilities at its Katsuragi plant in Japan.
Thin film modules are manufactured with less than 1% of the silicon used for crystalline solar cells, lowering production costs. To optimize conversion of different parts of the solar spectrum, thin films can be layered on top of each other to create a more efficient multi-junction product. PV modules built from the second-generation cells will feature a 9% module conversion efficiency and high 128W power output.
Thin film is the preferred technology for multi-megawatt projects, offering lower installed cost per megawatt and more megawatt-hours per installed megawatt than crystalline solar cells, particularly in hot climates. Since it is not as compact as the crystalline technology, it is also an optimal choice for installations where there is ample land for the system.
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