Abstract
Highlights
This report:
- Examines the function of thin films in energy production and storage
applications including fuel cells, photovoltaics, solar thermal technology,
geothermal energy, wind energy and nuclear energy
- Discusses advantages of thin film technology
- Determines the current market status for thin films, and assesses their
worldwide growth potential over a five-year period from 2008 to 2013
- Includes a patent analysis
- Assesses global energy problems and evaluates how thin film technologies
can provide solutions.
Scope of Report
The scope of this study encompasses the six energy technologies of
photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, geothermal, nuclear, thin film
batteries, and thin film fuel cells. Materials include copper indium
diselenide, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide,
nanostructured thin films, a variety of anti-corrosive thin films, titanium
nitride, metallic alloys, barrier films, lithium, platinum, and others
pertinent to the energy products. BCC Research analyzes each technology,
examines its current and future potential, assesses the market status of each,
looks at its future impact, and presents shipments of thin films for each of
the six energy segments for 2007, 2008, and 2013. Various technological issues
are discussed, and a thorough economic analysis of each type of energy and its
impact on future growth is presented.
In this report, we analyze thin films for energy on a global basis, including
manufacturing capacity and consumption by various regional markets. We examine
government funding and support, industry involvement and environmental impact.
We also discuss the potential for applications, and identify where thin films
are being used by specific applications.
Methodology
BCC Research presents an analysis for each of the six energy technologies in
the dollar volume shipped in 2007. Our estimated values are what manufacturers
have paid in undepreciated dollars. Then, based on our surveys, we analyze the
potential market for each technology, and forecast shipments for 2008 and
2013. We also analyze the value and growth of the various energy components
that use thin films over the same time periods.
Information Sources
BCC Research surveyed approximately 135 companies to obtain data for this
study. Included were manufacturers of photovoltaic cells, concentrating solar
thermal systems, geothermal systems and pumps, nuclear reactor components,
batteries of all types, and fuel cells. We also spoke with companies
developing materials, such as thin films, for energy products. In addition, we
compiled data from current financial and trade information and government
sources.
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