In tandem with the ramp in solar cell manufacturing in 2010, the market for nanomaterials used in solar cells grew 86% in 2010 and is projected to grow another 31% in 2011, according to statistics from research firm The Information Network.
The primary application for nanomaterials in the solar sector will be for CIGS-based (copper indium gallium selenide) cells, where nanoparticle ink can simply be printed onto a roll of conductive substrate material. The process is many times cheaper and faster than conventional semiconductor processing methods.
"Competing with CIGS are traditional crystalline and polycrystalline cells made with silicon wafers. On the horizon is a new nanomaterial that promises to cut solar cell prices," noted Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network. "A privately held company, SolarPA, has developed a nanocrystalline coating that enhances the efficiency of a solar cell by up to 10%. Thus, a 500MW solar plant can increase its capacity to 550MW, and reduce manufacturing costs by up to 10%. The technology also replaces texture etching and traditional SiN anti reflection coatings."
Nanomaterials for solar represented 18.5% of the nearly US$900 million nanomaterials market for high-tech applications in 2010. With rampant demand for solar, the sector will increase its share of the US$5.3 billion market in 2015 to more than 23%.
Article translated by Willie Teng
