Eight crystalline solar cell manufacturers in Europe have come together to form a new crystalline cell technology and manufacturing group (CTM) in order to address the challenges faced by the photovoltaic industry. This was announced by the SEMI PV Group Europe at the 4th Photovoltaic Fab Managers Forum that was held in Berlin on 8th March. The founding group comprises Deutsche Cell, Q Cells, Solland, SCHOTT Solar, Sunways, Bosch Solar Energy, Sovello, and SolarWatt/Systaic Cells.
A roadmap for the crystalline solar cell technology was established by the CTM group for up to the year 2020. The development of the technology with special emphasis on manufacturing process, product development, and on materials is described in the roadmap.
CTM Group’s main priority is to define the development processes starting from raw materials to cell manufacturing with an aim to enhance the competitiveness of the European manufacturers in the global solar market by improving quality and efficiency of the cells while reducing cost at the same time.
Member of the Executive Board of Q Cells SE, Gerhard Rauter, said the establishment of the CTM Group signifies an important step toward enhancing the solar cell manufacturers’ competitiveness as well as to develop latest technologies, and enforce improved processes and standards for manufacturing crystalline solar cells. Rauter, who is also the Q Cells’ representative in the CTM Group, said the collaboration will help the crystalline solar cell manufacturers to strengthen their global competitiveness with regard to cost-effective and high-quality solar cells.