Cost analysis and criteria for achieving the SunShot target of $0.5/Wp manufacturing cost using flexible thin film Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells

In order to meet the SunShot Initiative cost targets of $1/Watt for utility-scale PV systems, a cost analysis for CIGS roll-to-roll manufacturing facility was completed by the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC). The key components have been identified as substrate roll size, capital equipment costs, system uptime, cost of consumables/materials, yield and module power performance. In addition a key aspect is the module design as it relates to packing density and grid coverage in each module. The cost analysis shows a module manufacturing cost of $0.44/W can be achieved for a roll size of 1mX2.5km producing modules with 15% conversion efficiencies. These projections will be tested out using a roll-to-roll CIGS manufacturing development facility build with production system capacities over 10MW at PVMC.