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Flat plate vs. concentrator solar photovoltaic cells - A manufacturing cost analysisThe choice of which photovoltaic system (flat plate or concentrator) to use for utilizing solar cells to generate electricity depends mainly on the cost. A detailed, comparative manufacturing cost analysis of the two types of systems is presented. Several common assumptions, i.e., cell thickness, interest rate, power rate, factory production life, polysilicon cost, and direct labor rate are utilized in this analysis. Process sequences, cost variables, and sensitivity analyses have been studied, and results of the latter show that the most important parameters which determine manufacturing costs are concentration ratio, manufacturing volume, and cell efficiency. The total cost per watt of the flat plate solar cell is $1.45, and that of the concentrator solar cell is $1.85, the higher cost being due to the increased process complexity and material costs.
Document ID
19810042742
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Granon, L. A.
(Motorola, Inc. Phoenix, AZ, United States)
Coleman, M. G.
(Motorola, Inc. Semiconductor Group, Phoenix, Ariz., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Economics And Cost Analysis
Meeting Information
Meeting: Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Start Date: January 7, 1980
End Date: January 10, 1980
Accession Number
81A27146
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-954847
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-954363
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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