Abstract: . . .  amorphous silicon based framed modules. Development of frameless module mounting schemes and PV laminates on membranes are some encouraging approaches being pursued for amorphous silicon technology. For CIGS technology to some extent but certainly for CdTe technology edge sealing of the laminate is essential. The present solution of an edge sealant in a frame works adequately but adds costs to the module. This is an area in which development of thin- film encapsulants which can be applied as a viscous spray . . .
. . .  Proc. “PV in Europe” Conference, Rome, October (2002). [13] R. R. Arya, Proc. of 11th International Workshop on the Physics of Semiconductor Devices, Delhi, India (2001). [14] Harin Ullal, Proceedings 19 th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, France, 2004, in press.  . . .
. . .  Superstrate, 26.9% Thin-Films, 27.7% Lamination, 20.8% Connectors & Wiring, 20.6% Packaging, 4.0% Figure 10: Material cost distribution for amorphous silicon based unframed modules. 5.2 Markets and Applications Large area thin film modules are new in the marketplace and acceptance requires not only a significant cost advantage but also education of the many salient features of thin films which make them more appropriate for certain applications. The unique attributes of thin film modules – automation . . .
. . .  the performance of a 1 KW p array of a-Si/a-SiGe modules produced by BP Solar and studied at NREL over a 10 month period is depicted. It is noteworthy to see that the array produced the rated power even at temperatures above 60 0 C [13]. 5. MARKETING CHALLENGES 5.1 Module Cost The material costs in thin film modules are dominated by the “back end” costs of converting a solar panel into a module as in the superstrate configuration or solar cells into module as in substrate configuration on flexible . . .
. . .  crystalline silicon modules but the products are slowly finding acceptance in niche BIPV applications like roofs, facades, awnings etc. used in residential and commercial buildings. To become a significant alternative to crystalline silicon modules, in mainstream photovoltaic applications, thin film modules still requires further improvements in module performance, costs and reliability. 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author would like to thank many colleagues in the thin-film PV community for their constant . . .
. . .  alternative to crystalline silicon modules, in mainstream photovoltaic applications, thin film modules still requires further improvements in module performance, costs and reliability. 7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author would like to thank many colleagues in the thin-film PV community for their constant support and encouragement and for supplying information from their organizations in a timely manner. 8. REFERENCES [1] R. R. Arya, MRS Spring Meeting, San Francisco, (2004), in press. [2] S. Guha, Proc. of WCPEC-3, . . .
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