From Cell to Module
Suniva is focused on the design and manufacturing of high efficiency silicon based photovoltaic cells and modules marketed as the ARTisun® product series. ARTisun® solar cells are two steps upstream in the value chain from the end user or consumer of solar power. Our ARTisun® cells are the "brains" inside our own high-powered modules.
Boosting solar cell efficiency can have a dramatic impact on the entire value chain, from requiring less starting raw material (polysilicon) to reducing the module area required for systems. A higher efficiency cell will mean the same number of cells will deliver more power per module or conversely, the same power output can be achieved with fewer cells, meaning less ingot is required, and ultimately, less polysilicon is required for the same power output.
Higher efficiency cells will also mean modules will produce more power per unit or conversely, the same power can be generated with smaller area modules. This enhances solar applications potential where limited rooftop space previously restricted or precluded it. Requiring a smaller module footprint area has the additional benefits of reducing support structure and installation costs.
Suniva's plan is to increase cell efficiency to 20+% by 2011 using low cost processes and no exotic materials, so that fewer cells are needed to build modules of comparable output, at a better cost. Shrinking the size of modules has the effect of reducing the cost of module materials, module support structure and installation time. By also eventually reducing cell thickness from 220 µm (microns) to about 150 µm while maintaining cell efficiency, raw material costs, the largest single component by far in the cost equation, can be cut dramatically.
Learn more about the technology
Behind Our Cell Design
