The PV Group Fab Managers Forum gathered more than two hundred photovoltaic business leaders and technology experts. They met to discuss how manufacturers of solar cells and modules can better cooperate with their suppliers. To lower costs more effectively, the PV industry increasingly needs to focus on standardization and supply chain management to improve manufacturing supply chain effectiveness.
The ultimate goal of standardization efforts in the Solar industry is to achieve so-called ‘grid parity’ (i.e. the price for photovoltaic electricity is equal to power-outlet electricity). The competitiveness of the PV industry depends significantly on this goal being reached. Solar energy is becoming more competitive, faster than initially predicted. Prices for modules today are already much lower than only three month ago. Modules produced by Chinese manufacturers are already offered at 2.30 Euro per watt. Which is priced a third lower than in fall of 2008. This trend forces European PV manufacturing businesses to optimize their production and to reduce cost considerably.
The PV group is committed to helping the solar industry in its efforts. In doing so it can draw on Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International’s (SEMI) more than thirty years experience in microelectronics. SEMI is the world leading industry association serving the manufacturing supply chains for the semiconductor equipment and materials industry, as well as for the display and photovoltaic industries.
“The industry’s first standard is silicon,” explains Joachim Nell, chief executive of Masdar PV, Erfurt, Germany. “Our next step will be to set standards for the material properties of silicon, since silicon for the solar industry differs from high-rate silicon in the semiconductor industry. In addition we need equipment specifically developed for the photovoltaic industry.”
“In certain areas standardization could be achieved within one year,” says Dr. Hubert A. Aulich, Board-member of PV Crystalox Solar AG, in Erfurt, Germany. “But in general, standardization is an ongoing process, subject to constant optimization. Pressure for change always comes from the industry leaders. Only they have the power to push for standardization in processing and technology with equipment manufacturers.”
“To ensure the solar industry’s survival, setting standards is crucial,” says Heinz Kundert, President of SEMI Europe. “But it is a difficult process, because it requires a major commitment from all involved, and because companies concerned often have different interests. We have long standing experience in moderating these processes.” Until standards are achieved in the solar industry for all important materials and processes, much work still needs to be done.
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