PHOTON's 1^st PV Thin-Film Conference

Thin-film finally seems to be making good on its promise. Almost every major PV player has started to develop thin-film modules, several companies even focus exclusively on thin-film technology. In total, PHOTON Consulting is tracking almost 300 companies involved in thin-film module development.

And indeed, at first glance, the arguments for thin films are compelling:

• Low cost: First Solar already produces modules at around $1.12 per W, lower than any other c-Si company. And their costs are constantly decreasing.
  
  
• Available technology: Big equipment suppliers are offering turnkey equipment including efficiency warranties.
  
  
• Full integration: Thin-film modules are manufactured on a fully integrated basis in-house and production requires much fewer steps than for c-Si modules.

But apart from First Solar, the industry has little experience with large-scale manufacturing. What about capital expenditures for setting and ramping up new thin-film lines? And what about module production yields, system performance, reliability and long-term raw material supply?

As with our Solar Silicon Conferences in Europe and Asia, which have become the global discussion platform for the solar industry's silicon sector, PHOTON's 1^st PV Thin-Film Conference is aimed to serve as a forum for all decision makers involved in thin-film PV – from board members and leading scientists to investors and big system operators.

PHOTON's 1^st PV Thin-Film Conference will provide:

• An overview on thin-film market growth
  (total, geographical)
  
  
• Cost and price estimates for thin-film modules
  
  
• Technological challenges – from raw material supply to long-term system performance
  
  
• Case studies: Thin-film manufacturers and investors
  
  
• A panel discussion