The commercialization of thin film technologies: Past, present and future

In 2009, thin film technologies (a-Si, CdTe, CIGS/CIS) had a 17% global share of shipments of all photovoltaic technologies. CdTe manufacturer First Solar had a 13% share of shipments and was the number one shipper of technology and the first manufacturer of any PV technology to ship over 1-GWp in a calendar year. The achievement of 17% market share by thin films is significant because of the volumes it represents, but it is not the first time the technology sector has earned a global market share Those new to the photovoltaic industry mistakenly assume that thin film technologies are relatively new and untried in the market. This assumption does the sector a disservice. Amorphous silicon had its market entry in 1982, at 10% of total volume, and by 1984 had doubled its share to 20%. Amorphous Silicon earned a 29% share in 1986 and 1987, and a 32% share in 1988. Beginning in 1992, thin films share of the global market began to decline, reaching a low of 5% in 2003 and 2004. This paper will explore the commercial market history of thin film technologies, entry point, application focus and the business strategies that are driving use of the technology in to larger volumes. Commercial activity is defined as shipment of technology (as a module, cell or thin film panel) to the first point of sale in the market. For crystalline technologies the first point of sale can be another technology manufacturer. Table 1 presents thin film market shares along with total market volumes from 1982 through 2009. Figure 1 offers a picture of thin film market share from the 1980s to present.