PVMaT advances in the photovoltaic industry and the focus of future PV manufacturing R&D

The DOE Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project has conducted cost-shared manufacturing R&D with the photovoltaic industry for over 10 years. During this time, research has focused on the project´s stated objectives of improving photovoltaic manufacturing processes and products, lowering manufacturing costs, and providing a foundation for the scale-up of US photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. Progress made by each of the US PV industry participants in this project has resulted in a significant reduction in the industry´s direct PV module-manufacturing costs and an impressive scale-up in US PV manufacturing capacity. The majority of the efforts have been module related. Results in terms of automation, yield, and throughput have provided a significant reduction in direct manufacturing costs. Cost reductions and capacity increases resulting from these efforts are discussed.