Productivity Enhancement for Manufacturing of Amorphous Silicon PV Modules: Final Technical Report, 1 July 2002--30 June 2003

During Phase I, EPV conducted parallel research efforts for achieving higher stabilized module power output through improvements in several manufacturing processing steps, with particular emphasis on the thin-film deposition process. The dual goals of achieving a 10% gain in stabilized output and a 20% reduction in direct costs were accomplished. Early in Phase I, a thorough evaluation ofsingle-junction and tandem amorphous silicon (a-Si) modules was carried out with the goal of determining the best option to use (as a function of application) based on EPV's proprietary batch deposition process. The analysis considered total energy delivery over realistic conditions and the impact on equipment needs and production costs. EPV has concluded that the tandem process is moreappropriate for its needs at this time. The overall objective of this subcontract over its two-year duration is to continue the advancement of EPV's a-Si production manufacturing technology and improve the production equipment used in manufacturing. This will allow EPV to reduce module costs by increasing module output, throughput, and yield.