GE breaks thin-film solar efficiency record; to open largest US plant
Arvada, CO--A full-size, thin-film solar panel developed by GE was independently certified as the most efficient ever publicly reported milestone for the technology: 12.8%. GE intends to manufacture the record-setting solar panels at a new U.S. factory that will be larger than any existing solar panel factory in the country today. When complete, the factory will highlight an expected $600 million plus investment made by GE in solar technology and commercialization.
In addition, GE has completed the acquisition of PrimeStar Solar, a thin-film solar technology company in which GE has held a majority equity stake since 2008. Photovoltaic solar is the next step in growing GE’s renewable energy portfolio and is part of the company’s ecomagination commitment to drive clean energy technology through innovation and R&D investment.
"Over the last decade, through technology investment, GE has become one of the world’s major wind turbine manufacturers, and our investment in high-tech solar products will help us continue to grow our position in the renewable energy industry," said Victor Abate, vice president of GE’s renewable energy business. "We are addressing the biggest barrier for the mainstream adoption of solar technology--cost--and the NREL certification proves that we are on track to deliver the most affordable solutions for our customers."
Global demand for photovoltaics is expected to grow by 75 gigawatts over the next five years, with utility-scale solar power plants making up a significant part of that growth.
The record-setting panel was produced on the PrimeStar 30-megawatt manufacturing line in Arvada, CO. It was measured by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) at a 12.8% aperture area efficiency. This panel surpasses all previously published records for CdTe thin film, which is the most affordable solar technology in the industry. Continually increasing solar panel efficiency is a key component of GE’s goal to offer advanced solar products while reducing the total cost of electricity for utilities and consumers. In fact, a 1% increase in efficiency is equal to an approximate 10% decrease in system cost.
GE plans to build an advanced technology thin-film solar panel factory in the United States that, at capacity, will produce enough panels per year to power 80,000 homes annually. The 400-megawatt facility will be larger than any U.S. solar panel manufacturing plant in operation today and will employ 400 people. Multiple locations are being considered for the new facility, with the final location to be announced shortly.
SOURCE: GE; www.genewscenter.com/Press-Releases/GE-Achieves-Highest-Publicly-Reported-Efficiency-for-Thin-Film-Solar-Earns-New-Orders-and-Unveils-Plans-to-Build-US-Manufacturing-Plant-2fd7.aspx