Thin-film solar firms expand operations into solar PV systems Nuying Huang,Taipei;Jackie Chang,DIGITIMES[Wednesday 16 May 2012]Thin-film solar products have been marginalized since the price of mainstream silicon-based solar products has fallen drastically in the past year.Before,when the ratio of solar modules and balance of system(BOS)for mainstream silicon-based solar PV systems was 1:2,thin-film solar PV systems were considered more competitive on the per watt basis.However,as the ratio turns to 3:1,thin-film solar products have lost their edge,said industry sources.
Industry leading thin-film solar firm First Solar has also changed its position from a thin-film solar module provider to a solar PV system project designer and supplier.First Solar has been demonstrating its cost-competitive strength in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa where the cost of land and labor has been relatively low.
In addition,thin-film solar firms need to debottleneck the current conversion efficiency to surpass 12%.Industry sources believe there is still plenty of room for thin-film technology to achieve more breakthroughs;hence thin-film solar products are likely to remain in the market despite the current hardships.
Thin-film solar firms expands businesses to combat marginalizationPhoto:Digitimes file photo
