U.S. Solar Power Manufacturing Growing Dramatically

(Page 2 of 2)

Oct. 29, 2008
From EERE Network News 
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Last but not least, HelioVolt Corporation cut the ribbon last week on a manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that will have an initial capacity to produce 20 MW of solar cells per year. Starting with solar "inks" developed at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory that are deposited with ink jets, HelioVolt employs a proprietary "printing" process to produce solar cells consisting of thin films of copper indium gallium selenide, or CIGS. The technology won an R&D 100 Award this year, and at last week's award ceremony, it earned an Editor's Choice Award for Most Revolutionary Technology. HelioVolt's "FASST" reactive transfer printing process is 10 to 100 times faster than other CIGS production processes and can also be combined with vacuum evaporation or ultrasonic spray deposition techniques. At its new Austin manufacturing plant, HelioVolt plans to produce both solar modules and next-generation building-integrated solar products using its FASST process.

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Reprinted from EERE Network News, a free newsletter of the U.S. Department of Energy. 
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  • EMerge Alliance 7/24/2009 9:03:42 AM

    Not only is it exciting to see solar power manufacturing growing, thanks to the Stimulus and a renewed commitment by many to improve our country’s infrastructure for a sustainable future, but it’s equally encouraging to see the early technological advancements from these manufacturers to increase production. Hopefully this will increase demand for renewable energy, saving money and reducing energy in commercial buildings across the country and creating standards for others to follow.

    Emerging technologies like solar already produce DC energy. Our open industry alliance, the EMerge Alliance, is making it possible to use this energy more directly within buildings without converting it to AC, ultimately reducing energy. We’re developing a standard that facilitates the direct connection and use of native DC power from solar, wind, or other alternative energy sources and improved efficiency through integrated load and source management. Clearly you can understand why we’re pleased to see the increase in solar power manufacturing.

  • Mark Johnson 6/28/2009 2:07:44 PM

    There seem to be no Solar PV panel manufacturers who actually use thier own product to power thier manufacturing process.

    If Solar PV systems are truly cost effective (without pubic susidies) it seems as though at least a few of the panel manufacturers would be using thier own products to save money the way they tell potential customers to do.

    Just my 2 cents but would love to be shown otherwise.

    regardsa,
    Mark Johnson

  • SR Davis 10/30/2008 11:00:03 AM

    I just hope that it becomes more affordable so everyone can benefit!!

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