Thin Film Photovoltaics and Batteries 2009-2019

Abstract

This comprehensive report, updated and revised in March 2009 to take into account the global economic situation, gives a thorough analysis of printed and thin film photovoltaics and batteries, with 10 year forecasts to 2019. Included are detailed profiles of 48 companies working on the many different types of technologies.

The report covers companies, research institutes and universities that are active in developing and commercializing thin film technologies for photovoltaics and batteries. Photovoltaic technologies covered include CIGS, CdTe, DSSC, a-Si and organic photovoltaics. Learn how these technologies (each at a different stage of development and adoption) are driven forward by both government and leading companies in the field.

The report also describes materials (both organic and inorganic) and device structures as well as various high-speed printing technologies employed.

IDTechEx find that the market for thin film inorganic photovoltaic technologies beyond crystalline silicon will reach at least $20 billion in 2014. The global solar energy market is expected to reach $34 billion in 2010 and $100 billion in 2050 and most of that latter figure is expected to be achieved by non-silicon photovoltaics.

Along with other manufacturing techniques, printing (or printing-like) technologies are gradually being adopted (Nanosolar, G24 Innovations in the PV sector, Power Paper, Solicore and Thin Battery technology in the batteries sector), as they can be considered to be some of the fastest, least expensive and highest volume manufacturing techniques. With printed electronics becoming more prevalent, there is an increasing need for power to supply them; printing is amenable to a large number of different types of devices with the possibility of integration (e.g. to provide onboard power etc.)

This report provides a comprehensive list of key companies that are active in each of the thin film photovoltaic and battery technologies. Compiled and analyzed by Dr Harry Zervos, technology analyst with IDTechEx, company profiles are given along with 20 year forecasts for the growth of the market share of these technologies. Dr Bruce Kahn, consultant and academic, gives a thorough analysis of the science and technology behind thin film photovoltaics and batteries, as well as a comparison of different high-speed printing techniques.