This report demonstrates the commercial viability and significance of the technology through the use of SIRF where available or through the use of the equipment and facilities of industry partners.
Report extract
Key learning
The value and importance of a Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF)
Results achieved in laboratories around the world in general lack credibility in the eyes of industry because they make use of specialised and sophisticated low volume processing equipment and semiconductor grade, small area wafers that are far superior and far more expensive than the low cost wafers used commercially. To be useful to industry, achievements and technologies need to be developed and demonstrated with commercial high throughput manufacturing equipment and on full-sized commercial grade wafers.
Implications for future projects
All projects aiming to develop commercially significant technology would benefit greatly through the use of a SIRF to demonstrate the suitability of the respective technology for industry and large scale manufacturing.