Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology, Phase 1, Final Subcontract Report, 9 January 1991 - 14 April 1991

This report identifies steps leading to manufacturing large volumes of low-cost, large-area photovoltaic (PV) modules. Both crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon technologies were studied. Cost reductions for each step were estimated and compared to Solarex Corporation`s manufacturing costs. A cost model, a simple version of the SAMICS methodology developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory(JPL), projected PV selling prices. Actual costs of materials, labor, product yield, etc., were used in the cost model. The JPL cost model compared potential ways of lowering costs. Solarex identified the most difficult technical challenges that, if overcome, would reduce costs. Preliminary research plans were developed to solve the technical problems. 13 refs.