This ebook provides a reproduction of the Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009 with details on photovoltaic (PV) technology and research. The mission of the Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) is to accelerate the development and large-scale deployment of solar technologies in the United States and to ensure that solar power is a viable and economic source for the nation’s power needs. The near-term goal of the photovoltaic (PV) subprogram is to help the domestic PV industry achieve grid parity by 2015 through a program of research and development in PV materials, devices, and manufacturing technologies. The PV industry has seen dramatic changes over the past several years. In 2009, First Solar became the first PV manufacturer to ship more than 1 GW of modules a year. SunPower achieved notable performance advances with their back contacted cells. These advances however, provide only a backdrop to the more dramatic changes in the industry concerning pricing. PV module prices have continued to fall and appear likely to fall significantly below $2/W in 2010. The program’s 2015 grid parity goal, though challenging, is within reach with continued focus on the key cost drivers. However, to sustain a healthy domestic industry, the subprogram’s effort to advance technology ahead of the cost curve requires that it maintains and continuously sharpens focus to reach these goals. While module prices continue to fall, the PV subprogram must ensure that domestic manufacturers can improve performance and reduce costs quicker than the rate of price erosion. Subprogram funds were allocated among projects in critical PV research and development areas (R&D). Applied Research supports scientific research and development of materials, devices, and process technologies. Systems Development supports the development and transition of laboratory proven technologies into manufacturing. Within these two major areas fall projects that span from early-stage, applied R&D through market-oriented product and process development:
Next-Generation Research projects investigate high-risk/high-payoff PV device and process concepts.
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