EFG Technology and Diagnostic R&D for Large-Scale PV Manufacturing: Annual Subcontract Report, 1 July 2003--30 June 2004

The objective of this subcontract over its duration was to carry out R&D to advance RWE Schott Solar Inc. (formerly ASE Americas) - 'RSSI' - manufacturing technology, processes and capabilities of wafer, cell, and module manufacturing lines, which will help configure them for scaling up of EFG ribbon technology to the 50-100 MW PV factory level. The basic EFG technology principles have alreadybeen established and are being demonstrated on the scale of 10-20 MW manufacturing lines. By the successful completion of this effort, RSSI is planning to reduce overhead costs of production and of direct, variable manufacturing costs with the scale up of EFG processes and equipment currently in use. To achieve these objectives, RSSI needs to maintain or enhance yield, quality, process control,and throughput relative to present levels throughout the three areas of wafer, cell, and module manufacture.