STG & HELIOSPHERAThis is truly an interesting relationship and a huge potential for S.E.T. The Oelikon technology used produces a panel that is 30%-50% more efficient than a-si (amorphous) panels and very much aesthetically more pleasing in their black colour than amorphous. They have produced a module with 11% + efficiency (to be marketed according to them hopefully by next year) and throw in the parallel aspect with the Sunergy and you have a winning combo for efficiency in shading conditions.
Oerlikon recently stated that they are expecting to be able to produce these modules below First Solar's bragging rights of .80 per watt at .70 and are stating they hope to reach grid parity by the end of 2010. The fact that a Greek company, the largest micromorph thin film manufacturer has partnered with S.E.T.'s inverter for the German market is a very big step. This is a giant step into what is still the world's largest demand by country for solar. Hard to say whether there is much profit in this venture or perhaps it is a marketing venture. Regardless, it is one giant step. It would be nice to have a few rooftop installations in Germany with the German Bosch brand as well.
Also, keep in mind that the BOSCH panels that S.E.T. has stated will be shipped in July for Ontario will also be micromorph thin film. Obviously produced by ERSOL, their subsidiary under licence as well from OERLIKON. We now have alliances with both BOSCH & HELIOSPHERE in the Oerlikon patented micromorph module field. That is quite an achievement. Then throw in Mitsubishi's crystalline modules. We have everything going for us.
The picture just gets larger every day. Now for their earnings to do the same and we are away.
From the Helio Sphera Website:
What is micromorph?
The thin-film cell, unlike the simple amorphous version, has a dual structure with an amorphous and microcrystalline silicon layer. The initial production steps, the TCO coating of the glass and creation of the amorphous layer of the top cell, are similar to those of the amorphous technology. A second layer of microcrystalline silicon is then deposited after the amorphous layer. The back contact, lamination, and protective glass cover are then identical to the conventional production process.
Why micromorph?
The dual semiconductor layer structure makes optimal use of the sun’s light spectrum because the two silicon layers convert a bigger part of the light into electricity. The amorphous layer is sensitive to the visible range of the solar radiation, while the microcrystalline layer converts the infrared part of the spectrum into electricity. As a result a module based on micromorph technology is 50% more efficient than a module based on the conventional amorphous technology.
Micromorph technology is based on environmentally friendly, non-toxic abundant materials. It also requires half the energy needed to produce crystalline silicon cells. Consequently, micromorph modules require two to three years to deliver the energy consumed for their production.
Another interesting read in regards to the Oerlikon Technology (BOSCH & HELIOSPHERE) and the developing U.S. market.
https://www.pvgroup.org/NewsArchive/ctr_035333