Fraunhofer Institut, at Freiburg in Germany, has inaugurated its new photovoltaics technology evaluation centre PV-TEC. The centre will conduct research into solar cells, whose contribution to global power supply has risen from 100mW/pa to more than 1000mW/pa over the past 10 years. Over 90% of solar cells made today are made from crystalline silicon, and the Institut believes there is large untapped potential in using this material for photovoltaics. It also aims to reduce the manufacturing costs for solar cells. Prof J Luther, Director of the Institut, says manufacturers have little time to test new technologies. "In our state-of-the-art production line, manufacturers of solar cells, wafers, modules and solar systems can analyse and develop further processes, materials and systems without interrupting their own production lines," he said.
