Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project - Latest Results

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMat) Project was initiatied in 1990 to help the U.S. photovootaic (PV) industry extend its world leadership role in manufacturing and the commerical development of PV modules and systems. It is being conducted in several staggered phases to support industry progess. The twelve subcontracts awarded under Phase 4A are now completing their first year ofresearch. The subcontracts initiated in earlier phases are nearing completion, and their progress is summarized in this paper. An additional phase of PVMat, Phase 4A, has been initiated and emphasizes product-driven manufacturing research and development. The intention of Phase 4A is to emphasize improvement and cost reduction in the manufacture of full-system PV products. The work areasinclude, but were not limited to, issues such as improving module manufacturing processes; system and system component packaging, integration, manufacturing, and assembly; product manufacturing flexibility; and balance-of-system development with the goal of product manufacturing improvements.