Optolink International Edition 2010 Q1 Issue

OPTOLINK Q1, 2010
13
Contents
OptoLink International Edition (OLIE)
is a quarterly magazine published
by the Photonics Industry and Industry News
Technology Development
Association (PIDA). 4 Global Photovoltaic Industry Outlook
6 Feed-in Tariff Impact on Worldwide Photovoltaic Installation
13 The Urgency for PV Development and Needs of HCPV

5F., No. 9, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 2.,
Taipei, Taiwan, 10093. 19 Can CPV Reach Commercialization?
www.pida.org.tw
Tel.: +886-2-2396-7780
24 Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Overview
Fax: +886-2-2341-4559 27 Photovoltaic Industry Cluster in Taiwan
30 PV Rush
Publisher:
Frank Ma, CEO of PIDA
Exhibition Watch
Editorial Team:
Photonics as Solution to Global Warming –
Angel Chiou, Dan Guo,
Murphy Lin, Stephy Chen,
32 the 15th IOA Meeting in Taiwan
Karen Ho, Deaphne Kuo,
Jason Lu, Emily Hu
Company Profiles
Art Designer:
Chiou-Ling Liu
36 Neo Solar Power: Aggressive Expansion for Uprising PV Market
38 AUO Solar— the Trusted Name in Future PV Industry

Director of Market &
Bussiness Division: 40 Gintech Prospers After the Storm
Ryan Chung
42 Kinmac Solar:
Sales Contact: Cultivating Sustainable Environment through Photovoltaic Energy
Ginger Chen, Allen Lee,
Pamela Hsiao,
44 Motech Power: Power the World with Solar Energy
Cathy Zhang, Ben Tsai,
Henry Nieh, Jerry Lee
Advertising: http://www.pida.org.tw/olie/
Christine Chen
ad@mail.pida.org.tw
Subscriptions:
Simon Huang
simon@mail.pida.org.tw
Editorial Submissions:
Angel Chiou
32 38 44
(angelchiou@mail.pida.org.tw)
INDUSTRY NEWS
Global Photovoltaic Indus

by Angel Chiou
China
● Solar power installation in
China is estimated to reach
2GW in 2013.
Europe ● The global downturn
● Market Demand from Europe reached in 2009 enforces the
3,486 MW in 2009, a negative growth at transformation of China
24% comparing with the previous year. PV industry structure.
● Europe’s module manufacturing orders The increasing domestic
shift to Asia for lower cost after the demand turns China from
economic turmoil. a global production base
into one of the biggest
● Germany replaces Spain to become the application market.
largest installer and accounts for 2,200
MW in 2009, an annual growth rate at ● China’s on-grid solar
41%. market is expected to have
explosive growth in 2010.
● Italy installed in 2009 grows 73% to
reach 450 MW, remaining the third
largest installer in Europe.
● Greece introduces new FIT in January
2009 to stimulate installation to grow
from 60 MW in 2009 to 300 MW in 2013.
However, one of the most important
concerns for PV players worldwide is the
government’s fiscal capacity.
● Czech Republic’s installation amount
reached 90 MW in 2009 with the annual
growth rate at 80%, and is highly
potential to reach 310 MW in 2013.
Fig1. Global PV Market Breakdown by Country Fig2. Global Demand of Solar Power by Region
Others 4%
Asia 16%
North
America Europe
14% 66%
Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1 Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1
4 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

INDUSTRY NEWS
try Outlook
Korea
● Korea actively completes its industry chain in recent years. There
are over 50 PV companies in up-/mid-stream industry, half of which USA
focus on solar cell manufacturing. Crystalline silicon solar cells are ● US installed 750MW in 2009 with annual
the major product for now. growth rate over 120%.
● Korea’s crystalline silicon solar cell production capacity reached ● California, New Jersey, Colorado,
386 MW in 2009. The annual capacity is expected to reach 150 MW. Nevada, and Arizona states amount to
approximately 85% of the installation in
the US.
● CSI (California Solar Initiative) Program
aims to generate 1,950 MW by 2016.
Japan
● PV installation in Asia amounts 764 MW in 2009, taking 15% of the ● US is becoming one of the most promising
global share. Among other Asian countries, Japan’s installation market in near future.
tops with 480MW. ● Buy American Act attracts foreign
● Japan’s domestic demand rapidly increases in 2009. Residential investment of PV players from Germany,
solar power installation occupies about 90% of the domestic China, Taiwan and etc.
market in Japan.
● Japan transfers cell manufacturing orders to Taiwan due to cost
concern.
Taiwan
● With the government’s support and several public policies, Taiwan
PV application market generates 9 MW in 2009— a six-fold growth
comparing with that in 2008.
● The export focus of Taiwan PV industry is reoriented toward Asia
from Europe.
Fig3. Global Revenue of PV Industry Forecast Fig4. Global PV Module Technology Breakdown
c-Si a-Si CdTe CIGS DSSC
0% 1%
100% 4% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3%
6% 7%
4% 15%
90% 5% 5% 17% 16% 16%
80% 4%
4% 6% 7%
70%
60%
50%
40% 93% 89% 87% 80% 77% 76% 74%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2006 2007 2008 2009e 2010f 2011f 2012f
OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 5

INDUSTRY NEWS
Feed-in Tariff Impact on

Worldwide Photovoltaic
Installation
Article Published in InterPV Magazine, October 2009 Edition
With the annual installation capacity of photovoltaics reaching six gigawatts in 2008, it has
become clearer that feed-in tariff incentives such as those used in Germany and Spain can
give countries a dramatic advantage in establishing a competitive market for solar power.
Aside from the USA which uses different incentive programs and Japan which stopped its
own incentive program in 2005, all the major installers of photovoltaics in 2008 did so via a
feed-in tariff. Following a slower increase in installations in 2009 due to the global recession,
more panels remain available on the market. Countries designing an attractive tariff with
sensible caps and accelerating grid connection and planning procedures could benefit from
the oversupply of modules in 2010.
by Tomas Martin
F
rom a niche market at the beginning of coming twelve to eighteen months by the Renewable
the century, solar is rapidly becoming a Energy Corporation.
major part of the renewable mix, with However, PV technology is still expensive
six gigawatts of PV installed in 2008 and compared to conventional fossil fuel power sources,
twenty-two gigawatts a year predicted by 2013 by the and wind power. System install prices per watt are as
European Photovoltaic Industry Association. This does much as six times more expensive than coal or gas,
not include Concentrated Solar Thermal Power or and roughly twice as expensive as a wind turbine.
Concentrated Photovoltaics. The Concentrated Solar Despite the price, photovoltaics hold considerable
Thermal Power industry alone has fourteen gigawatts advantages. In addition to emission-free generation,
in development for installation by 2014. Figure 1 shows panels are long lasting and have no moving parts.
the worldwide photovoltaic install base to date as well Sunlight is a more reliable resource to predict and
as a selection of projections for the next five years. harvest than wind, which is far more variable. The low
Photovoltaics are a rapidly maturing technology. impact factor of a panel makes planning permission
Efficiencies of silicon panels have reached 20% and easier than wind and where economic considerations
higher, and cheaper thin film cells now account are favorable the installations of solar have proceeded
for a sixth of the global market. As silicon supply far faster than competing renewables.
constrictions ease and manufacturing grows in In the coming decade, the over whelming
sophistication, the price of a PV module is falling, downside of photovoltaics— high installation cost—
with declines of as much as 35% predicted over the is projected to disappear. Module price has been high

INDUSTRY NEWS
historically due to a mismatch of silicon processing addition to refined silicon price decreases and subsidy
capacity to the demand for photovoltaic panels. cuts in Germany and Spain has already begun to
Manufacturers have until recently placed a priority reduce module costs dramatically and will continue
on efficiency and technology improvements over to do so into 2010. As the financial situation recovers
cost reductions in a market where they knew their and more investment becomes available, it is expected
product would sell out. that installation figures will rebound as developers
That’s no longer the case. In some sunny take advantage of the reduction in costs. Experts at
countries, photovoltaics are projected to be cost Bank Sarasin project as much as 8.5GW of installed
competitive with conventional power by the middle PV in 2010, with a rush to install in Germany before
of the decade or earlier by many experts, with subsidies are cut halfway through the year, and a
McKinsey expecting at least 10 countries to see grid rebound in Spanish markets as projects become cost
parity by 2020 and the EPIA projecting grid parity in competitive even once the feed-in tariff cap is reached.
Italy as early as 2010. Nevertheless, to encourage the solar industry to
2009 saw poor performances in the first two reach grid parity quicker, it needs stable, predicable
quarters due to the impacts of the global recession demand for its product. The most effective way to do
and a widespread lack of financing. Full installation this is through government incentives, of which there
and manufacturing numbers for the year were not yet are three main types: obligations, subsidies and feed-
available at the time of writing, but it is expected that in tariffs.
2009 saw an increase in manufactured capacity to
around 8GW, but a fall in installations to between a The alternative incentive schemes:
half to three quarters of its 2008 value. Obligations and Subsidies
This oversupply of photovoltaic modules, in Mandate or obligation based incentives such
Fig.1 Reported and projected annual installations to 2013
Courtesy: Lux, Gartner, EPIA

INDUSTRY NEWS
as Renewable Portfolio Standards or Renewable bust as subsidies were introduced and not consistently
Obligation Certificates are used in twenty-seven continued from year to year.
American states plus the District of Columbia and
in the UK, Italy and Belgium. The schemes require Feed-in tariffs
power utilities to provide a specified proportion of A feed in tariff by comparison has a defined
their electricity generation from renewables. They rate of return guaranteed over a long time period,
receive certificates that can be sold to those who diminishing the risk for the investor. Power
haven’t fulfilled their quota, in a system similar to the companies, governments or utilities are mandated
proposed carbon trading scheme. to pay renewable electricity generators a premium
Although they have stimulated some installations, price per kilowatt hour, substantially higher than the
obligations have patchy effectiveness— once a normal electricity price. The cost of this premium
quota is filled, for example, the demand to install is levied from the utility bills of traditional retail
drops entirely. They can also present serious long customers, a revenue stream less subject to the whims
term financial uncertainty for investors due to their of political budgets.
reliance on market-based systems, as in the UK case, The price offered is guaranteed to installers of
where the final price received from a ROC depends renewable energy for a fixed long term contract,
on how many other people are claiming for them. typically fifteen years. As the cost of renewables are
The complexity of claiming certificates and mostly in the initial construction, their long term cost
the uncertainties involved makes obligations is quite reliable compared to fossil fuel generation,
unattractive for small scale installations. Whilst which has large variable fuel costs after construction.
utilities can afford to employ offices to deal with After construction, the price of generation of a wind
the procedure, the difficulties in claiming a few turbine or photovoltaic panel is close to zero aside
certificates a year for homeowner with a small from maintenance and replacement parts. It is this
photovoltaic installation are daunting. In addition, fact that allows the feed-in tariff to be so precisely
obligations historically have been insufficient to calculated, to ensure that the initial construction cost
promote the desired demand without additional is paid back in an acceptable payback time.
subsidies such as grants or tax credits. The UK Each year the tariff price for new installations
power industry regularly fails to hit the targets set decreases by a set amount, with the aim of driving
by its Renewable Obligation Scheme. innovation and cost reductions by the technology
Subsidies such as tax credits, rebates and grants companies. By decreasing the cost each year, the feed-
are an effective stimulus for renewable installations. in tariff pushes the industry towards grid parity, the
Japan became the world leader in both photovoltaics point at which renewable energy costs no more than
installations and manufacture in the early parts of the traditional cost of power. At this point the tariff is
the decade through a 50% grant for anyone installing phased out, having done its job.
photovoltaic panels. The 30% Production Tax Credit By early 2009 forty-five countries and eighteen
in the US is often credited with more stimulating states or provinces had feed-in tariffs in place, with
effect than the Renewable Portfolio Standard. several others under discussion for introduction by
Subsidies require large amounts of money 2010. By 2008 a number of incentives had been in
to be provided up front by governments, which place long enough to compare installation trends
poses economic and political issues. They also have between countries with feed-in tariffs and those with
demand issues. Once a subsidy reaches its quota or competing strategies.
is removed, the demand for installations doesn’t just
slow, it drops dramatically. The stop-start nature of Additional benefits of feed-
the US Production Tax Credit in the last few years in tariffs
has played havoc with the American solar and wind One feature of feed-in tariff implementation has
industries, subjecting them to cycles of boom and only been seen recently in those countries with large

INDUSTRY
Y NEWS
amounts of renewables installed, namely Germany except for Japan and the USA. In most of the
and Denmark. Because of their feed-in tariffs, both countries with significant PV installations, the vast
countries have enough wind power to observe dramatic majority of installations have occurred following the
effects on electricity prices. Rather than the feed-in introduction of a feed-in tariff. Spain and Germany’s
tariff increasing the cost of electricity to the consumer, dramatic growth are the clearest indicators, but
the opposite effect has been seen, and electricity prices recent tariff introductions in Italy, South Korea,
in Denmark have actually been reduced by more than France, Portugal and the Czech Republic have all led
the cost of the tariff to the consumer! to stimulation of previously insignificant markets for
The reason for this depends on the nature of photovoltaics. Figure 2 shows a graph of annual solar
electricity grids. A certain amount of electricity is pre- power installations, grouped by country.
purchased to match known demand. The remainder Germany and Spain are the clearest examples
is bought and sold on the spot market depending on of the feed-in tariff phenomenon. Germany’s solar
how much electricity is needed. Typically additional installations had been modestly increasing under the
demand is filled by natural gas plants, which can be existing 1991 Stromeinspeisungsgesetz (StrEG) act.
very expensive. In Germany and Denmark the cost of However, when the scheme was revised in 2000 and
using wind or solar for this purpose is essentially free 2004 with higher rates for photovoltaics, Germany
due to the lack of fuel costs. So if the wind is blowing saw a dramatic effect on solar uptake. By the end of
or the sun is shining, the electricity companies can 2008 5.3 gigawatts of PV had been installed from
buy the renewable power instead of turning on less than 100 megawatts before the feed-in tariff was
expensive gas plants. The price of electricity has revised in 2000. The scheme has no upper limit on
decreased as a result. installation capacity and has succeeded in boosting
Germany’s share of renewables to 14% by 2007.
The impact of feed-in tariffs on The Spanish example seen second from the left
installations in figure two is the most dramatic effect of a feed-in
The impact of a feed-in tariff on installations has tariff. In Spain’s case, where the amount of sunlight
already been seen in wind, particularly in Germany and received makes any tariff seem very attractive, the
Denmark. First introduced in 1991, the German feed- scheme was actually too successful in promoting
in tariff at first paid the same price for all renewable installations. The 2007 Royal decree for renewables
technologies. The expense of photovoltaics at that in Spain introduced a feed-in premium system
time made solar a relatively small part of the picture where a certain guaranteed premium was added
but wind installations grew dramatically. Wind energy to the electricity price for renewables. The Spanish
accounted for 7% of German electricity in 2008, and government anticipated installations below 1GW.
over 20% of Denmark’s electricity supply. This has had However, by September 2008 it was clear that far
a dramatic effect on renewable jobs in these countries. more solar had been installed than anticipated.
It is no coincidence that the biggest wind turbine Assessments vary between 2.6 and 3.5 gigawatts of
manufacturer, Vestas, is Danish. In addition to the photovoltaic installed before the tariff cutoff date of
capacity increases, the FiT’s year on year price decrease September 2008.
has stimulated cost reductions in the industry, with The uptake in Spain was so strong that PV was
German wind farms on average a third cheaper than removed from the general tariff and a new 2008
those produced under the UK Renewable Obligation decree was set with lower rates. To prevent a similar
scheme. Germany had an estimated 280,000 renewable rush, the 500 megawatt limit to Spanish installations
jobs in 2008, up from 30,000 in 1998. will be parcelled out over the course of 2009. This
Only in the past four years has the superiority of new low cap is largely responsible for the large
feed-in tariffs over other methods been confirmed amounts of panels expected to be manufactured in
in solar power. All of the countries with significant 2009 without a buyer. The delay for the 2009 tariff due
installations have done so using a feed-in tariff, to backlog of 2008 applicants is believed to have lost

INDUSTRY NEWS
15,000 Spanish solar-related jobs since summer 2008. From negligible annual install quantities, each of
The strong solar insolation in Spain, combined with these countries has started installing significant
the decrease in module prices, means this market is amounts of photovoltaics in the year following
close to competitive even without the tariff going into the introduction of a tariff, which has increased
the new decade. consistently year on year.Japan, which had been a
Countries with more recent tariff introductions, world leader in PV capacity, displays the opposite
such as France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, the Czech effect to this phenomenon – once the 50% grant was
Republic and South Korea, have all shown smaller removed in 2005, the amount of annual installations
echoes of the effects seen in Germany and Spain. reached a plateau and began to fall. Even with an
Fig.2 Installations per year for countries before and after feed in tariff introduction show dramatic impact of this
Annual PV installations by country in MW
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
3,000 2007: Spain introduses feed in tariff,

tariff revised in September 2008 due
totoo much demand
2,500
2007: Italy reorganises
2004: Germany modifies 2005 decree with more
existing tariff to far more favourable tariff
attractive incentive,
2,000 growth booms 2005: Japan stops
incentive program,
installations plateau
1,500 2006: South Korea

introducesariff
1,000
500
0
Germany Spain Japan USA Italy South
Korea
Courtesy: SEIA, EPIA, Worldwatch

INDUSTRY NEWS
established photovoltaic industry and many of the PTC has been a key driver in this, but the uncertainty
bigger module manufacturers, Japan has yet to of continued funding each year has had a negative
recover to its 2005 levels. effect on solar jobs and installations. The extension of
The USA principally aims to stimulate renewable the tax credit in the 2009 Stimulus package for seven
installations via the aforementioned Renewable years should alleviate this problem in the future.
Portfolio Standards and 30% Production Tax Credits. Legislators in Florida, Michigan, Vermont, Hawaii
It has seen some success, with California and New and Illinois have all moved to introduce feed-in tariffs
Jersey in particular installing large quantities of in the last few years.
photovoltaics thanks to their incentive schemes. The In the wake of the success of Germany and
type of incentive.
2005：Czech
Republicintroduce s
FiT, improvedin
subsequent years
2006: France
introduces feed 2005: Portugal
in tariff redesigns 2010 FiT
France India Portugal ROW Other EU Belgium Czech

Republic

INDUSTRY NEWS
Spain’s feed-in tariffs, the measure has increased payback time but due to planning processes won’t
i n p o p u l a r i t y, w i t h O nt a r i o, Sw i t z e r l a n d , be installed for eighteen months, companies become
Greece, California, Israel and much of Australia a lot more reluctant to enter the market. France
introducing comparable measures. The UK has is a good example of this effect, with hundreds of
also introduced legislation, with the 2008 Energy megawatts of photovoltaics installed in the ground
Act mandating a feed-in tariff to be in place in by the end of 2008 not producing power due to
the UK by the start of 2010. Of the new tariffs, administration delays by the utility responsible for
the Canadian province of Ontario looks the most connecting them to the electricity grid.
attractive, with attractive pricing for installations The access to grid connection and planning
under 10kW of 80c/kWh. If the tariff is similar permission queues should be accelerated to
to the drafts seen, the annual cap of 10MW for prevent hold-ups through administration costs.
photovoltaics should be reached. Grid connection is currently less a problem in
solar compared to wind due to the relatively small
Conditions for a good tariff quantities of capacity typically being installed. The
The precondition of a successful tariff is that lower demand for grid access in sunny regions and
the price of the tariff reflects the local insolation cities rather than traditional power corridors will
and product install price. As regions like Spain or initially allow easy connection for many projects.
California receive as much as twice the amount of As the number of installations grows, this will likely
sunlight over the course of the year than the UK or become less simple and steps will need to be made
Germany their tariff can afford to be lower. If you that installations are not left unconnected as in
can produce twice as much power for the same cost France.
of panel, the price per unit generated decreases
proportionally to get a good payback time. Conclusion
Assuming that the tariff will be set a level More than anything, feed-in tariffs are successful
that reflects the local insolation levels, there are because they offer stability and guarantee in a fast-
two main considerations besides price for a tariff moving climate. If structured well a feed-in tariff can
that will enhance its success. Firstly, the incentive give a payback time and rate of return favorable for
should be consistent over a number of years, giving both homeowners and investors, making financing
stability for smaller investors in a way that market much easier. Smoothing the planning and grid
driven systems do not. In addition any cap on connection processes to make installations easier and
installations should be low enough so as to prevent faster ensures the success of an incentive.
an unsustainable rush to install as seen in Spain, but With the Spanish subsidy collapsing so much
high enough that sufficient demand is satisfied to compared to last year and prices falling rapidly, there
grow the industry, something which grant systems do remains considerable upside for the governments
poorly. If governments are serious about expanding implementing favorable incentive policies. As
photovoltaic capacity, the cap for PV should be at we move into the new decade, more inventory is
least several hundred megawatts a year in the long available at a lower price than ever before, waiting
term. A cap that grows incrementally each year as the for a market. Feed-in tariffs introduced by the UK,
tariff price decreases would be one way of ensuring Ontario and states in America and Australia could all
industry growth. reap the benefits over the next two years.
So if feed-in tariffs are so attractive, why have
some countries implementing them, such as Greece
and Italy, not seen installations on the scale of Spain
and Germany despite high insolation levels? The key >> Tomas Martin is a Solar Analyst for the Wind
Prospect Group, writer and researcher in Lithiated
stumbling block in these circumstances is typically nanodiamond thermionics at Bristol University.
bureaucratic; if a panel is going to have a favorable

INDUSTRY NEWS
The Urgency for PV

Development and
Needs of HCPV
by Yingling Wang, I-Tao Lung, Cherg-Tsong Kuo
T
he climate changing presents a generation amongst all PV systems.
threatening subject for all mankind which As mentioned above, INER has been developing
became the main topic in Copenhagen the technology of HCPV since 2003, basically taking
climate summit. Almost all countries have the technology of irradiation detecting technology
promised to reduce carbon dioxide emission from applied to the III-V group photovoltaic cell. The
17% to 45%. The conclusion is acceptable though not previous accomplishments are described as follows.
satisfied; however, the consensus brought about the
demand of photovoltaic urgently. Table 1 listed below
1 The 100 kW high concentration photovoltaic
system was established in the end of October, 2007.
has shown that there is trace carbon dioxide emission The system is composed of 21 sets (each with 12
from photovoltaic power plant. modules) of 1.5 kW roof-top and 14 sets (each
As habitants concerning the fate of earth, the with 40 modules) of 5 kW pillar-stand (shown
government of Taiwan has boosted the development as Figure1). This system was the biggest HCPV
of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) system demonstration system in Taiwan before 2008.
in Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER)
from 2003 which is much earlier than the climate
2 The efficiency of solar cell, fabricated by INER
cooperated with domestic epitaxy suppliers, reaches
summit. The main reasons of developing HCPV are up to 37.1% (shown as Figure 2), and is expected to
based on its high efficiency and high concentration be improved to more than 40% in 2010.
characteristics of the system. Therefore, HCPV get
the highest potential to reduce the cost for power
3 32undertaken
patents have been acquired, and 93 invents are
the patent application procedures. The
Table 1 Carbon dioxide emission amount from miscellaneous power plants
CO2 emission
Unit (Kg/kWh) Remark
Power plant
Coal power plant 0.914

Oil power plant 0.601
LPG power plant 0.438
Taichung Photovoltaic 97,000 kWh generated per year, 60
0.005
Power Plant tons of CO2 emission saved per year
Courtesy: Taipower Co., Taiwan

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.1 100 kW HCPV System at INER (left— 5 kW, pillar-stand 14 sets; right— 1.5 kW, rooftop 21 sets)
Courtesy: INER
HCPV industry in Taiwan is thus supportively new algorithm and control mechanism have
established with plenty of patents. been derived to increase the accuracy of tracking.
4 The concentration module with 476 times Presently, the tracking accuracy is ≦0.3.
geometric concentrating ratio has been
developed, and the highest module efficiency
5 Ni ne ite ms of te ch nol o g y t r ans fe r and
authorization have been completed. The
is 27.2%, while that of the conventional silicon- technology includes 3 items of solar cell
based module is approximately 13~15%. The manufacturing process and its characteristics
measurement technology, 4 items of CPV module
manufacturing and its characteristics technology,
Fig.2 IV curve for cell and 2 items of CPV tracker manufacturing and its
characteristics detecting technology. Two items
of technology transfer are under negotiation
presently. INER is aggressively pushing HCPV
to be industrialized, and promotes the new
generation of HCPV to be rooted domestically.
6 11Thecases of technical service had been provided.

contents of the service were two cases
of high efficiency multi-junction solar cell
manufacturing and its characteristic testing, five
cases of concentration module optical device and
its characteristic testing, one case of spectrum
response testing, and three cases of solar module
qualification testing. Besides, there is one case of
technical service under executing. All these jobs
have greatly promoted the technology for the
domestic suppliers to the international HCPV field.
Courtesy: INER
7 INER has sig ne d t he cont rac t w it h UL
corporation of USA for assisting and reviewing

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.3 MW HCPV plant

Courtesy: INER
the concentration module qualification capability With abundant accomplishments above, INER
conforming with IEC 62108 in INER, and has still speed up its efficiency enhancement and cost
acquired international certification in Oct. reduction of HCPV system. The major efforts
2009, and can provide the qualification service recently are centered on two topics; one is increasing
for the domestic suppliers. This can reduce the the concentration ratio of the module, and the
time required for the suppliers to pass the UL other is enhancing the accuracy of the tracker. The
certification to gain the international market, new style 900x concentration photovoltaic module
especially that of USA. is manufactured with the technologies of high
8 INER has built eight irradiation collecting

stations unique in Taiwan, which can gather
performance lens, and vacuum welding, and the
efficiency is reached to 26.61% under outdoor testing
direct normal irradiance (DNI) and global solar with 795 W/m2 DNI. The tracker is designed by
irradiance (GSI), also provide the real time adapting digital signal technology to filter the false
monitoring. The acquired data will work as a signal of sun position sensor. The purpose of the
reference for investors to evaluate the feasibility modification will make the controller of the tracker
of establishing the CPV plant. track sun according to the actual signal, and the
9 INER has established HCPV qualification center

at Kaohsiung Science Park in 2009 to execute
accuracy of the tracker is thus improved. Accordingly,
the accuracy of the tracker is enhanced to ±0.2
technology promoting, and provide module degree.
qualification service, which effectively help Seeding on the field of HCPV, INER demonstrates
the related supplier of the HCPV field develop the fruitful harvest above. Nevertheless, all past
the technology, and acquire the certification to efforts had become monument of green energy.
compete internationally. The biggest obstacle for HCPV still exists. Trying
10 One MW HCPV demonstration system

which includes 21 sets of 5 kW and 120 sets
reducing the cost for the power generated by HCPV
is an issue to be conquered. Nonetheless, the step on
of 7.5 kW HCPV system has been completed improvement of HCPV is a never ending story, and
in the end of 2009 (see Figure 3). This is the continuously brings the whole world walk into solar
biggest HCPV demonstration system in Asia. energy kingdom.

INDUSTRY NEWS
D E
Fig.4 3kW HCPV System by Arima Eco Energy

Courtesy: Arima Eco Energy

INDUSTRY NEWS
HCPV Industry Chain in Taiwan
A III-V Epi Chip C+D Module / System

Arima Arima Eco Energy (s)
VPEC
Everphoton (s)
B M-Com
CompSolar (s)
Solapoint
Epistar
E Tracker
Arima Eco Energy
B Lens
Hokuang Optics Everphoton
A
Prodisc Spirox
Ching Ming Shan Optronics CN-JT
CompSolar
Kimoga
KIMOGA CO., LTD .
Green Source Technology
C Module
Solapoint (s)
Lytec Solar
Browave
F Inverter
Powercom
D System
Spirox
Motech
Advanced Renewable Energy Inc. (AREi)
Top Tower Technology (3T)
Tranergy Technology

INDUSTRY NEWS
Testing Research Equipment

Chroma CInstitute of Nuclear Aixtron
Energy Research (INER)
Institute of Nuclear Veeco

Energy Research (INER)
Industry Technology
Research Institute (ITRI)
Chung-Shan Institute of
Science & Technology (CSIST)
National Central University
Fig.5 The 300kW CPV power plant project installed by

Arima Eco Energy at ISFOC in Spain
Courtesy: Arima Eco Energy

INDUSTRY NEWS
Can CPV Reach

Commercialization?
Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) technology, which combines high efficiency cells with low cost,
concentrating optical systems, is poised to enjoy a bright future in distributed generation and
large-scale power generation. Nancy Hartsoch, VP of SolFocus, explains how this solar technology
is earning its place in the sun through high energy yield.
Article Published in InterPV Magazine, December 2009 Edition
by Nancy Hartsoch
Courtesy: SolFocus
Solar Deployments: Conversion shown significant advantage, but efficiency of

Efficiency and Cost these systems is typically low. The result is use
In just one hour, more solar energy is delivered of larger land or lower energy generation from
to the earth’s surface than it takes to power the entire fixed areas of deployment. Another approach has
globe for a whole year. That being said, efficiently been Concentrator PV (CPV) which has gone the
capturing, converting and delivering this energy is a opposite direction in terms of efficiency.
complex challenge requiring new technologies and
advances to existing technologies. A key focus for CPV Technology
the PV industry has been reducing the amount of CPV systems use high efficiency compound
expensive PV material used in a solar panel. semiconductor technology to generate the highest
One such approach has been thin films, which efficiency systems available in the market today
use materials such as amorphous silicon, cadmium with cell efficiencies approaching 40%, more than
telluride or copper gallium indium diselenide twice that of typical PV. The basic premise is that the
to capture sunlight energy. Thin film costs have optics in a concentrator system are significantly less

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.1 Sunlight is collected by the primary mirror, Fig.2 Comparison of panel efficiencies for various
reflected back to the secondary mirror, and then technologies
is concentrated 650 times down the optical rod
and onto the high efficiency solar cell
CPV Best PV
Best Thin Film Typical PV
35%
Secondary Mirror 30%
Rated Efficiency
25%
20%
15%
Solar Cell 10%
5%
0%
Optical Rod 2009 2010 2011 2012
Primary Mirror
Courtesy: SolFocus Courtesy: SolFocus
expensive than PV cells. The less cell area used per efficiency compared with typical PV at around 15%
unit, the lower the overall cost of the system. With the efficiency and thin films with around 11% efficiency.
SolFocus CPV system, a multi-junction PV cell of 1 There are two critical things to understand here. First,
square centimeter is illuminated by the sun magnified today, efficiencies of CPV are dramatically higher
650 times. This means that the sunlight covering 650 than other technologies. Second, the headroom for
square centimeters is collected and redirected onto a future advances in CPV technology are much higher
single 1 square centimeter cell, thus dramatically cutting than for other technologies. Over the next three years,
the cost per unit of energy as compared to conventional CPV technologies could see another 25% of increase
PV technologies. Figure 1 shows the SolFocus reflective in efficiency. Traditional silicon-based PV will not be
optical system. It uses a primary mirror to collect the able to realize these types of gains as the technology is
sunlight, reflecting it back to a secondary mirror and approaching its theoretical limits.
then concentrating the sunlight on the high efficiency Efficiency matters a lot in these cases, as it is the
solar cell at the base of the optical rod. biggest driver for cost reduction. CPV will continue
to offer dramatic increase in efficiency, thus, increase
Understanding CPV’s High in energy generation. The technology will also benefit
Energy Yield from significant cost reductions in manufacturing as
Panel efficiency, energy profile, and temperature today’s small volume will ramp to significant volume
performance are all combined to provide the highest in the next few years. Other technologies are likely
energy yield in high solar resource regions. going to see only modest gains in both efficiency
improvements and manufacturing cost reductions.
High Efficiency Systems
Consistent Energy Production
High concentration CPV systems provide the
highest efficiency of any solar technology available Another important element of high energy yield
today. That means that when sunlight is captured, is consistent energy production throughout the day.
a much larger amount of that sunlight is converted Because CPV systems function like telescopes, they
into electricity. Figure 2 shows an example of the must track the sun accurately as it moves across the sky
conversion efficiencies for various PV technologies. from sunup to sundown. To do so, high concentration
Today, leading CPV systems have around 25% panels are mounted on dual-axis trackers. Tracking

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.3 Shown above is the energy production curve for a Fig.4 Comparison of CPV technology utilizing
typical day at a power plant in Puertollano, Spain high-efficiency multi-junction PV cells with
owned and operated by ISFOC. The CPV systems Mono-Si, Poly-Si and thin-film PV technologies.
reach peak production early in the morning, and CPV suffers from very little performance
continue at a steady rate until sundown. degradation even at temperature of 40˚C.
Puertollano, Spain. May 2009 Actual Power compared to Rated Power
SolFocus CPV Typical PV FIxed Tilt Rated Power Power@20C Ambient

Power@40C Ambient
7.0
AC Output Power [kW]
6.0 70%
5.0
Rated Efficiency
75%
4.0 80%
3.0
85%
2.0
1.0 90%
0.0 95%
-1.0
100%
05:00
06:00
07:00
08:00
09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
21:00
22:00
CPV Mono-SiPV Poly-SiPV Thin-Film
the sun throughout the day provides a much more the technologies, not a reflection on the PV panels
consistent energy production curve than fixed tilt themselves. Figure 4 illustrates this point, but requires
systems. Whereas solar technologies mounted in fixed- some further understanding.
tilt positions have a daily energy production profile Two factors come to play in understanding
resembling a curve which peaks mid-day and drops temperature performance when comparing PV
off rapidly, dual-axis trackers enable CPV systems to technologies. First, the rating system used for traditional
produce peak power levels starting in the early morning PV and thin films is different from that used for CPV.
and continuing until dusk. In Figure 3, the CPV energy PV panels are rated at a cell temperature of 20°C with a
production curve has very broad shoulders compared flash test. As soon as these panels are put on sun, the cell
with traditional PV systems. The benefits of this daily temperature will be much higher so that rated level of
power profile actually extend beyond simply producing the panel will never be achieved when placed in the sun.
more energy. Because CPV produces energy at a steady CPV panels are rated at 20°C of ambient temperature
rate throughout the day and the power production not cell temperature. Therefore, when these panels are
remains at high levels during hours of peak demand put on the sun in a 20°C of ambient environment, they
in the afternoon, tracking makes solar systems more will perform at their rated level.
suitable to meet the demand profile of utility systems. Beyond the difference in rating systems, CPV
When deployed in large volume, tracked CPV systems systems have a temperature coefficiency less than half of
operate similarly to intermediate natural gas power the typical coefficiency for silicon PV (-0.21% for CPV
plants— starting early in the day and maintaining power compared with -0.48% for poly Si PV). Figure 4 shows
production until early evening hours. that in an operating environment of 40°C, poly-si PV
will be operating at less than 80% of its rated level, and
High Performance at High Temperature
thin-film at around 89% of its rated level. In the case of
Degradation due to temperature is an important a CPV panel rated at 300 watts, you would get 300 W of
performance issue for PV technologies. power from that panel at 20°C, and 288 W of power if
Silicon PV and thin-film PV operating in the temperatures hit 40°C. For poly-si panels, at 20°C, the
sunny regions of the world suffer from significant panel which was purchased at a 300 W rating would
performance degradation as temperatures increase. only be producing around 260 W, and that would drop
This is a characteristic inherent in materials used in to less than 240 W as temperatures reached 40°C.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.5 Example of a 10 MW Power Plant Fig.6 The chart above shows the energy output per month per ar-
in various locations around the ray from November 2008 to August 2009 together with the
world. Demonstrates the energy cumulative solar irradiation recorded over the period. The
generation differences for those energy produced was 103% of predicted energy under nor-
technologies at given levels of mal operations. The chart shows data under normal operat-
DNI (Direct Normal Insolation). ing conditions. Data collected during engineering testing or
when DNI measurements were inaccurate were excluded.
This occurred particularly in January and February.
Monthly Energy Produced, Energy Predicted, DNI

SolFocus-CPV Thin Film-Fixed Tilt
Avg Si PV-Fixed Tilt Energy Produced Per Array Best PV
Energy Predicted Per A
Recorded DNI per Month [W/m2]

40,000
Energy Produced per Array

35,000 900,000
Megaatt Hours
800,000
30,000
per Month [Wh]

700,000
25,000 600,000
20,000 500,000
15,000 400,000
10,000 300,000
200,000
5,000
100,000
0
Jaen, Spain Alice Spring, Daggett, CA Calama, Chile -
(DNI 5.5) Australia (DNI 7.5) (DNI 9.8)
9
08
09
08
9
09
09
09
-0
-0
9
-0
(DNI 7.2)
l-0
v-
g-
c-
b-
n-
n-
ay
ay
ar
De
No
Au
Fe
Ju
Ju
Ja
M
This is very critical in understanding and like Chile would generate nearly 80% more energy
forecasting energy yields from a plant. Energy output utilizing CPV technology than it would by using
per megawatt will be significantly higher for CPV traditional PV. On the other hand, in moderate solar
than for any other PV technology. resource area such as Spain, CPV would still produce
more energy, but not as much as in higher direct
High Yielding Power Plants
sunlight areas. For CPV, it is important that plants be
When you combine the high efficiency, consistent located where the solar resource is at its highest. In
energy production, and performance at high this case, the energy yield advantages are extremely
temperature, CPV offers dramatically higher energy significant.
generation. Figure 5 provides a comparative example
of a 10 megawatt power plant utilizing typical PV, CPV at the Megawatt Scale
thin film, and CPV technology. The chart also shows One of the first significant deployments of CPV
that energy production in various geographies. technology was in Castilla la Mancha, Spain in 2008-
The chart brings light to a very important element 2009. Under the Spanish Ministry of Education and
of CPV technology: it requires direct sunlight. Since Science program, Instituto de Systemas Fotovoltaico
the optics function as telescopes, they can only de Concentration (ISFOC), a 3 MW CPV installation
capture and utilize that sunlight which shines directly has been developed using a variety of CPV
on the concentrator. Diffused and indirect sunlight technologies. In addition to producing large amounts
cannot be used by CPV systems, making CPV of power, the project provides crucial performance
technology ideally suited to those regions of the world and reliability testing for these new technologies.
where the solar resource is high. Such areas from a These installations are not limited to power plants,
general perspective include the Southwest US, parts they have become the proving ground for this
of Asia, southern Europe, Australia, northern Africa, innovative new technology.
South Africa, and parts of Latin America. In Figure 5, Systems manufactured by SolFocus, Concentrix
a 10 MW power plant in a high solar resource region and Isofoton, were the first to be installed in the

INDUSTRY NEWS
project. The SolFocus installations include a 200 Anatomy of SolFocus CPV System
kW plant in Puertollano and a 300 kW plant in
POWER UNIT:
Almoguera. In total, 87 SolFocus arrays were installed Primary Each CPV power
in 2008. (Note: the arrays installed in 2008 were Mirror unit is comprised
the first generation SolFocus SF-1000 systems with Secondary of a Cassegrain
Mirror Imaging Concentrator
a rated power of 6.2 kW per array compared with including primary
mirror and secondary
systems being sold today with a rated power of 9.24 Optical Rod mirror, a receiver
kW per array.) High
which incorporates a
tertiary non-imaging
With this project at Puertollano having been grid Efficiency
optic a multi-junction
Solar Cell
connected for over a year, the company has been able PV cell, and heat
(at base of
spreader.
to complete performance analysis. The results provide optical rod)
evidence that CPV technology is able to produce

energy as forecasted. Figure 6 shows that energy
produced was 103% of predicted energy output under CPV PANEL:
normal operations. This is a significant achievement Multiple power units
(20 in the SolFocus
for CPV. SF-1100 system)
are integrated into a
Bright Future for CPV panel with electrical
interconnection.
It’s clear that when it comes to solar energy, Power units are
enclosed between an
there is no solar silver bullet. All technologies bring aluminum "backpan"
advantages to given applications and geographies. and front glass.
When compared to other PV technologies in regions

with high direct sunlight, CPV brings a number of
CPV ARRAY:
advantages than other PV technologies including
The basic system, the
higher efficiencies, higher energy yield, and lower array, is a parquet
energy cost. of 28 panels sitting
on a flat frame, atop
Increasingly, solar technologies are also being a two axis tracker
and producing 9.24
evaluated for the sustainability of its manufacturing kWDC at 850 W/
and land use. CPV systems offer the lightest m2 direct irradiance.
The tracker sits
environmental footprint of all solar technologies. on a pedestal and
Another growing solar technology is Concentrating follows the sun
to an accuracy of
Solar Power (CSP), sometimes called solar thermal approximately ±
solutions. CSP is also targeted to the high solar 0.10.
resource regions. Depending on the application,

Courtesy: SolFocus
however, CPV offers a number of advantages. If
there is a limited supply of water in the region (CSP
consumes up to 1000 gallons of water per megawatt
hour), environmental constraints around land use, or that meet the industry’s stringent certifications and
protection of existing eco systems, then CPV is highly can be manufactured at low cost in high-volume
advantaged compared with CSP. Or, if the plant size factories. Today, there are several suppliers of CPV
is less than 100 MW or needs to be deployed rapidly, that are at this stage and 2010 should find more
CPV can provide capability not available with CSP. moving down that curve.
The opportunity for solar as a renewable energy
source is huge and the future for CPV is very bright.
>> Nancy Hartsoch is Vice President at SolFocus
The key is in continuing to progress down the (www.solfocus.com).
commercialization path with highly reliable products

INDUSTRY NEWS
Taiwan Photovoltaic
Industry Overview
by Angel Chiou
T
Taiwan photovoltaic industry revenue midstream wafer-based and thin-film solar cells,
faces recession through upstream to which take approximately 70% revenue share of the
downstream in 2009 due to the influence industry by NTD 60.7 billion. Among all, wafer-based
of global downturn. The total revenue solar cell manufacturing brings a production value of
shrinks to NTD 86.9 billion in 2009 with negative NTD 59.3 billion.
growth rate at 18% comparing with that in 2008 Upstream silicon ingot & wafer and mid-to-
(see Figure 1). The majority of revenue comes from downstream module and system installation
Fig.1 Revenue of Taiwan PV industry grew negatively in 2009 but is estimated to exceed
NTD 100 billion this year.
Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.2 Taiwan Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Capacity Fig.3 Taiwan Crystalline Silicon PV Module Capacity
Taiwan China Taiwan China
Unit: MW Unit: MW
5,000 2,000
4,000 710
1,500
3,000
370 1,000
2,000 85 987
3,707
2,517 500 766

1,000
1,742 530
540
150 250
0 0
2008 2009 2010 2008 2009 2010
take only 26% and 2% share of the total revenue companies to reach an overall production capacity
respectively. Upstream silicon ingot & wafer though of 4,417 MW as of 2010 with the growth rate up to
represents a decline of revenue still reaches NTD 23 60%.
billion. In 2010, since the economy began recovery, On the other hand, the capacity of Taiwan
photovoltaic industry is estimated to have an over crystalline silicon PV modules grows 49% to reach
23% growth to reach NTD 110 billion. 1,016 MW in 2009, and is forecasted to further grow
To see from a perspective of PV technologies, 45% in 2010 to reach 1,477 MW. Among all, capacity
crystalline silicon solar cell plays the role of the produced by Taiwan companies in China takes 37%
biggest support for Taiwan PV industry revenue. share of the total amount (see Figure 3).
The economic turmoil led to a dramatic price In the first half of 2009, Taiwan PV players
decline in crystalline silicon earlier last year, enhanced their R&D ability amid the financial crisis
making the advantage of thin-film solar cells as and launched high efficiency single-/poly- crystal
lower cost to be in vain. Although thin-film and silicon solar cells. According to estimation, the
CIGS solar cells had put into production since last gross profit margin of high efficiency single-/poly-
year, there were not much helpful for the revenue crystal silicon solar cells would increase by 5% than
in total. conventional solar cells, and the proportion also
The annual capacity of Taiwan crystalline continue rise since 2010.
silicon solar cells reached 2,887 MW in 2009, Since the global economy again goes steady
growing 58% from the previous year, as Figure 2 along with the extension of solar subsidies
shows. Since Taiwan PV players move westward worldwide, PIDA forecasts an optimistic 58%growth
to establish sites in China, 15% of the capacity of global PV market this year. Revenue of Taiwan
(approximately 710 MW) is generated in China. PV industry as a whole would also grow 23% to
PIDA analysts expect Taiwan crystalline silicon reach NTD 110 billion.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Taiwan Solar Power Installation & Roadmap
2010 /11.6 MWp

2012 /60 MWp
2008 / 5 MWp
Solar Community
2011 / 35 MWp
To comply with the government’s
promotion of green energy
and policy of domestic demand 2012
expansion, the Solar Power Plan
launched by Taipower expects to
reach 10 MW in 2011.
2011
2009 / 9 MWp 2010
2007 / 2 MWp 2009 2006 / 1.3 MWp

Solar Agriculture Solar Campus
2008
2007
2006
▲Hsinchu Branch of Livestock
Research Institute ▲Liudai Hakka Cultural Park
2005
2005 / 980 kWp 2004 / 500 kWp
2004 Solar City was put into practice
MOEA's Remote Areas
Emergency Project by the Bureau of Energy
according to the Planning and
2003 Implementation of the Challenge
2008 National Development Plan.
2002
2002 / 230 kWp
Energy Commission granted
2001 full subsidy of PV installation to
government building projects.
▲Keelung Islet 4.4 kWp
2003 / 370 kWp
2001 / 110 kWp

▲Taipei Water Department 6.48 kWp
Courtesy: Photovoltaics Technology Center, ITRI/Edited by PIDA

INDUSTRY NEWS
Photovoltaic Industry
Cluster in Taiwan
by PIDA
T
he photovoltaic (PV), or solar cell industry industry cluster was also strengthened. The annual
in Taiwan has been developing vigorously capacity of the solar cell industry has made Taiwan
in recent companies are devoted or one of the top five solar cell manufacturing country
planning to invest in mid stream or in the world. Of all the PV suppliers in Taiwan, there’s
down stream solar cell products , applications or a trend of suppliers gathering in the science parks
related accessories industries. Therefore, to exploit the synergy and collaboration of the
the entire industry supply chain vertically integrated clusters, as shown in
was established and the Figure1.
Hsin-Chu Science Park
Central Taiwan Science Park
Southern Taiwan Science Park
Fig.1 Taiwan PV
clusters in science parks
(thin-film & CPV included)
Courtesy: PIDA

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.2 Taiwan PV Production Value Breakdown Technology Corporation was founded by one of
the worldwide leading IC foundry providers, UMC
Group. Since 2005, NexPower sees itself as the pioneer
STSP in the silicon thin film industry in Taiwan. Another
(Southern Taiwan
Science Park)
thin film player Sunner Solar Corporation was
18.2%
founded in June, 2007. In the first phase, Sunner Solar
CSP will employ a 25MW a-Si PV module production
(Central Taiwan
Science Park) Others line, and will later involve the production of the latest
1.0% 35.4%
thin film product of amorphous and microcrystalline
tandem in the second phase. Furthermore, in the
HSP module field, Industrial Technology Research
(Hsin-Chu
Science Park) Institute of Taiwan (ITRI) works with Suntop Solar
45.5% Energy to optimize the process technology for PV
module. In addition, other companies distributed
outside the science parks contributed 31.1 billion NT
Courtesy: PIDA dollars to the total production value of Taiwan, or a
Note 1: The statistics is complied based on all PV productions
Note 2: STSP leads other science parks with a share of 40% of total PV
35% of share for 2009.
cell production As for now, most Taiwan PV manufacturers in
the science parks concentrate in the middle stream
As for now, most PV companies gather in Hsin- field. But when more companies are hurrying to raise
Chu Science Park (HSP) and Southern Taiwan Science their capacities in this sector, many have noticed the
Park (STSP). As shown in fig.2, it can be seen that importance of material and silicon wafer and shifted to
companies in these two science parks contribute more the upper stream sector. For example, SR Solar Taiwan,
than 60% of the total production value in Taiwan. As to which is mainly invested by SRI (US), planned to use
HSP, notable players include DelSolar Co., Ltd., E-Ton sodium reduction process to manufactur polysilicon.
Solar, Gintech Energy Corporation, Motech Industrial Led by thin film makers NexPower Technology and
Inc., Neo Solar Power Corp. (NSP) and more. The Sunner Solar, and then followed by ITRI and Suntop
revenue of these companies amounted to near 40 Solar Energy, more PV compaies are responding
billion NT dollars in 2009 and occupies more than to CSP’s recruitment; therefore, in the future, CSP
40% of the total production value of Taiwan, though is looking to catch up with and even surpass the
presenting a 16% decrease from that in 2008. production values of HSP and STSP.
In the Southern Taiwan Science Park, a complete
PV industry supply chain, from upper stream High Efficiency Race
material, middle stream cell, to down stream module/ There’s a trend observed from the HSP tenant
system, is gradually taking shape as Motech pursues enterprises that efficiency is now the first priority for
a vertical integration strategy and Delta steps into manufacturing building silicon-based solar cells. For
the module production and system installation field. example, DelSolar is expanding its R&D efforts from
The production value of STSP is estimated to be 16 the solar cell manufacturing process to related issues
billion NT dollars, about 18% of the total production and equipment both upstream and downstream.
value; besides, as Motech, Kenmos Photovoltaic, Tai- DelSolar partnered with upstream companies, Sino-
photovoltaic technology, Taiwan Polysilicon, MJC American Silicon Products, Inc., and Green Energy
PROBE, Gloria Solar, NANO-WIN TECH, and Technology Inc. and the downstream company
Delta have their production bases firmly rooted in Tynsolar Corp. to deliver cell conversion efficiencies
STSP. The STSP is aiming to become a significant PV of 17.2 percent for mono-silicon solar cells and 16
industry cluster in the Southern Taiwan region. percent for multi-silicon solar cells with a wafer
In the Central Taiwan Science Park, NexPower thickness of 180µm. Up to now, the DelSolar R&D

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fig.3 6 inch high efficiency poly solar cell from Gintech
2bas-bar 3bas-bar
Size 156mmx156mm±0.5mm
Thickness 180~200μm±30μm
Gap 75mm 52mm
Width
of front 2.0mm 1.5mm
electrode
Width
of back 4.0mm 3.0mm
electrode
Courtesy: Gintech
team has realized the efficiency to 18.7% and 17.3% efficiency, and its design can be combined with the
on mono- and multi-Si cells, respectively. Gintech exterior hues of buildings and houses, to enhance
started to provide Douro, a polycrystalline silicon color coordination.
solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 16.6% in Meanwhile, Gintech also announced in 2009 to
2009. The new cell measures 156 x 156mm, and the provide green, purple, grey and silver color solar cells
substrate is 180 to 200μm thick. Gintech is currently with transfer efficiency as high as 16%. The leading
selling its cells in 42 categories with conversion PV company Motech Solar is tapping into the color
efficiencies from 15 to 17%. In addition to the solar cell market as well, it provided sample with
polycrystalline silicon cell, Gintech enhanced the efficiency between 12% to 15%.
conversion efficiency of its monocrystalline silicon
solar cell to 17.1% or higher on average by improving
the manufacturing process. Fig.4 LOF SOLAR provides color solar cells in green, purple, red, gray
Color Solar Cell from Manufactures

Another interesting product is from LOF SOLAR,
which has developed the first ever high efficiency
color solar cell in the world. The company claimed
to have conversion efficiency is 30% higher than the
competitor's products. Its C-Cell color solar cells are
now available in green, purple, red, gray, and etc.
With LOF's patented nano technology, the C-Cell™
conversion efficiency can reach beyond 15% and
has been confirmed by the Fraunhofer ISE (Institute
for Solar Energy) in Germany. And their life time is
comparable to the traditional blue solar cells, easily
passing 25 years. In the past, the monochrome color
of these cells inhibited its use in aesthetic design. As
a response to the traditional monochrome solar cells,
LOF's colorized solar cells do not hamper conversion Courtesy: PIDA

INDUSTRY NEWS
PV Rush
In Taiwan, over the past few quarters, just about all the major players in the
semiconductor industry have drawn up plans to rush into the solar industry with
the type of precision technology and manufacturing techniques that can maximize
production and efficiency given that both are based on silicon wafer. Among all,
manufacturing giants demonstrate the most overwhelming ambition.
by PIDA
TSMC Expecting Revenue Growth Stock Exchange (TSE), it underscores the company’s
by Entering Energy Industry efforts to diversify into the solar market.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the Since then, speculations about TSMC’s next
world’s largest contract chip maker by revenue, acquisition of another solar cell manufacturer
makes big progress after a string of moves to enter become rampant in the market. Those names that
the industry. were alleged in talks with TSMC included Motech
Last June, former Chief Executive Officer Rick Industries, Taiwan’s largest solar cell manufacturer,
Tsai, who was appointed in 2005, was transferred E-Ton Solar Tech, the island’s second largest solar
to the company’s New Business Development cell maker, and etc.
Organization. Serving as president, Mr. Tsai will In December, 2009, TSMC announced to
focus on the growth markets including solar and purchase a 20% stake in Motech at a cost of
light-emitting diode (LED). TSMC hopes new approximately US$193 million. By becoming
businesses could add US$2 billion in revenue/ the single largest shareholder in Motech, TSMC
year by 2018, which would put the company in a entered the solar market fast. The company said the
completely different valuation class. investment would allow it now to be better placed to
Two months later, TSMC approved a budget of evaluate its future solar strategy.
US$50 million for solar energy-related investments. Most analysts thought it a good deal as Motech
Around the same time, according to a report takes the lead in the industry and has a competitive
in the local newspaper Commercial Times, the edge. Also, although the new business would
pure-play foundry bought a portion of the stake, contribute to TSMC at less than 1 percent of its total
approximately 11.2%, in Neo Solar Power, a Taiwan- revenues of NT$364 billion in 2010, it helps the
based solar cell maker, through its venture capital company catch up the green energy trend.
affiliate VentureTech Alliance. Although, a source It happens that there is a similar case. Last
said in the story, the holdings are not high enough August, while TSMC was visiting several solar
to warrant a disclosure to the watchdog Taiwan cell companies for potential alliance, United

INDUSTRY NEWS
Microelectronics Corp, a major competitor to TSMC, and other renewable energy sources for industrial
created a business development center and venture facilities, company buildings and households.
capital fund called UMC New Business Investment Currently, AET participates in relevant solar energy
Corp to invest in the solar and LED sectors. projects in Taiwan and around the world with its
system providers.
UMC Marching in China Solar Aside from spin-off decision, AUO’s board
Market of directors approved a preliminary plan to
According to the other local newspaper subscribe new shares to be issued by M.Setek, a
Economic Daily News, UMC became the first major polysilicon and monocrystal silicon wafers
foundry to step in planning to enter the mainland manufacturer in Japan. The investment cost AUO
China as it applied to Shandong government to set US$125 million, which was interpreted as an
up a handful of projects with regard to solar and aggressive attempt to diversify into the green energy
LED. The total investment amount reached as high industry, but AUO said it will eventually purchase
as US$300 million. more than 50 percent of M. Setek shares in the future.
In the last two months of 2009, UMC set up Moreover, AUO is allegedly considering
several green investments in China, including a purchasing 50MWp of solar cells from E-Ton in 2010.
photovoltaic system company in Shandong Province E-Ton President Allen Guo said both are indeed
through its Hong Kong-based affiliate with US$1 in talks with each other on future plan. He didn’t
million, and the other two LED investments. UMC reveal more details but said that he expected to ink
Chairman Stan Hung vowed to build the largest agreement for cooperation once the deal is done.
solar and LED manufacturing base within five years. According to industry sources, E-Ton is a
In fact, UMC has deployed the green energy major buyer of M.Setek, whose 15% stake is owned
industry, solar and LED in particular, without by AUO, so AUO might be paving the way for a
being noticed for a couple of years. In 2005, it possible cooperation. The sources also commented
established NexPower Technology Corp, a thin film that by securing part of E-Ton’s capacity, AUO will
PV manufacturer in Taiwan, to make a study of not only complete its supply chain by seize the
product development, research and development, opportunity to take the lead.
and manufacturing for the photovoltaic industry.
Starting 2008, NexPower threw itself into volume A Trend Worldwide
production and expected to operate its plant at a A similar trend is taking place in other
rate of 12.5MW per year. The company hopes to countries in Asia, as well as in the U.S, making
expand production volume gradually to reach an the competition more and more intensive. Earlier
ultimate production goal of 100MW/year from that last year, semiconductor equipment maker Tokyo
point. Electron Ltd. partnered with Sharp Corp. to work on
new tools development for solar cell manufacturing.
AUO Established AET to Provide Its principal rival, Applied Materials, broke ground
System Integration Services on a new US$60 million factory in Singapore.
On the other hand, AU Optronics Corp, Taiwan’s National Semiconductor introduced its first
biggest liquid-crystal-display (LCD) panel maker solar product in last June; Intel Corp. announced to
who focuses on thin-film solar, planned its solar invest US$38 million into a German solar company;
business as well. Last May, AUO created AUO Energy IBM Corp. gave itself into the business to team
Taiwan Corp (AET), which will provide its customers up with a Japanese company to develop new solar
with integrated technical supports in energy system. technologies; even Hewlett-Packard Co. recently
AET President Max Cheng hoped to do more by licensed its transparent transistor technology to a
offering more extensive value-added services in the Silicon Valley company who promises to make solar
future such as installation of solar energy systems panels twice as efficient and half as expensive.

Photonics as Solution to Global Warming –
the 15th IOA Meeting in Taiwan
by Angel Chiou
T
he 15th Annual Meeting ot her count r ies are doing t his also will show the projected path
of the International business. of the technologies to market as
Optoelectronics T h i s y e a r, t h e c o n s o r t i u m seen by experts consulted from
As s o c i at i on i s g oi n g is going to focus on two across the globe. The roadmap will
to be held in Taiwan during June topics: 1. production trends in be disseminated to governments,
9 th to 11 th by Photonics Industry optoelectronics/ activity reports of industr y and academia to align
& Te c h n o l o g y D e v e l o p m e n t each organization; 2. future growth their efforts in implementing the
Association (PIDA). areas in optoelectronics/ technology roadmap objectives.
Started 1996, members of the roadmap activities. Representatives This year’s representatives in the
Int e r n at i on a l O pt o e l e c t ron i c s from each participant countries IOA Annual Meeting include 11
Association meet up ever y year will share their activity reports photonics-related associations all over
in hope to contribute to world and discuss activities in the future the world. A brief introduction of
community through the advance with other members to exchange each is as follow.
of photon i c te ch nol o g i e s . T he and to stimulate inventive ideas.
workshop participants give T h e t e c h n o l o g y r o a d m ap w i l l
discussion to details of market, identify the R&D efforts which will SOA
Scottish Optoelectronics
production trends and hot topics, develop the photonic technologies
Association
as well as update the participant most likely to make the greatest
organization’s activities to see how contribution to the society, and SOA is a member of the UK wide

EXHIBITION
COMPANY PROFILE
WATCH
and competitiveness of German

companies and universities.
SLN
Swisslaser Net
SLN has been initiated by Swiss

research institutes and industries in
2005 in order to improve networking
leading to a quicker and more efficient
innovation process. SLN is funded by
Swiss government and membership
fees and is recognized by the Swiss
CTI as an official R&D consortium.
SLN is nationally and internationally
well networked and is member
All photos are courtesy of KAPID. of EPIC, OIDA, IOA, NCCR QP,
OptETH, among others.
KAPID
Korean Association
for Photonics Industry
Development
The Korean Association for

Photonics Industry Development
(KAPID) is a non-profit organization
organizations: UK Consortium of dissemination work packages. In t hat makes a progress in LED,
Photonics and Optics and the UK particular, EPIC supervised the design photovoltaics with Green New Deal,
Photonics and Plastic Electronics and management of effective and low-carbon green growth strategy by
Knowledge Transfer Network. Within interactive website used for the MONA government’s ultimate object which
these networks, SOA is familiar roadmapping project, which includes the include new regenerated energy, green
with all Photonics activities in the edition of newsletters, the organization energy by installation of LED light in
UK. SOA has also had abundant of workshops, and the dissemination of public institution, LED light modeling
experience leading co-ordination project-related information. project.
projects for Scottish Enterprise and
UK government agencies.
Optech PIDA
EPIC Photonics Industry &
T h e O p Te c h - Ne t e . V. i s an
European Photonics Technology Development
industry driven network of optical Association
Industry Consortium
and photonic companies, research
EPIC’s main tasks in this project institutes and universities in Germany. PI DA work s w it h pr iv ate
are organization of roadmapping The main goals are to fasten the enterprises and government agencies
workshops, knowledge management and transfer of research results into new to increase the competitiveness of
dissemination. EPIC has considerable products or production technologies Taiwan’s optoelectronics industry.
experience in delivering effective and to strengthen the visibility PIDA actively engages in industry

2010 Q3
EXHIBITION WATCH
research, conference, exhibition, on building competitive industries association OITDA actively conducts
membership service, international through global integration, human a wide range of activities, such as
cooperation, and producing capital development, productive research and study, promoting and
publications for the optoelectronics and flexible workplace relations supporting technology development,
industry. The association has been practices, infrastructure development and furthering standardization. It
organizing OPTO Taiwan exposition and innovation. Ai Group is closely also makes active efforts to spread
since 1984. Now PIDA is the organizer affiliated with more than 50 other and raise awareness of optoelectronic
of Display Taiwan and Photonics employer groups in Australia alone technolog y worldwide, through
Festival in Taiwan which comprising and directly manages a number of cooperating with optoelectronics
of exhibitions and conferences of those organizations. industry associations in Europe, the
OPTO Taiwan, LED Lighting Taiwan, United States and Asia.
OPTICS Taiwan, Solar Taiwan.
IMS-NRC
Institute for
Microstructural Sciences—
OIDA
National Research Council
Optoelectronics Industry HKOEA
of Canada
Development Association Hong Kong Optoelectronics
Association
OIDA is a Washington DC-based IMS-NRC accomplishes this role
promotes optoelectronics. OIDA serves by working at the leading edge of The gathering of representatives
as the voice of industry to government science and technology that will enable from the member countries intends
and academia, acts as liaison with other the information revolution to continue to create international consensus on
industry associations worldwide, and and while doing so, provide Canadian a research roadmap that focuses on
provides a network for the exchange industry with a competitive advantage. disruptive technology advances in
of ideas and information within the Having established its reputation by photonics that can contribute to the
optoelectronics community. This year, developing technologies that underpin control of global climate change by
OIDA launched a new conference, the information and communication reducing GHG emissions.
OPTOmism – Powering the Green sector, IMS-NRC has moved to As usual, the workshop is held in
Revolution through Photonics. This broaden its sphere of influence by using conjunction with regional photonics
three-day event consists of an Executive the same know-how to solve problems meetings. Since PIDA is the host of
& Investor Forum followed by a two- in other application areas. this year, the Annual Meeting of IOA
day, three-track Technical Conference. will take place concurrently with
Photonics Festival in Taiwan which
OITDA comprises expositions of OPTO, LED
Ai Group Optoelectronic Industry
Lighting, Solar, and Optics, together
Australian Industry Group and Technology
Development Association making June a splendid photonics
Ai Group is a leading industry month.
association in Australia focusing The Japan-based non-profit
34 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2009

2010 Q1
Q3
SOLAR
P36_Neo Solar Power: Aggressive Expansion for Uprising PV Market
P38_AUO Solar— the Trusted Name in Future PV Industry
P40_Gintech Prospers After the Storm
P42_Kinmac Solar: Cultivating Sustainable Environment through Photovoltaic Energy
P44_Motech Power: Power the World with Solar Energy

COMPANY PROFILE
Neo Solar Power:

Aggressive Expansion
for Uprising PV Market
by PIDA
W
ith optimism towards the soaring process technology enable us to enter the market with
PV market, Dr. Qunicy Lin, the the shortest learning curve, thereby creating solar cells
chairman of NSP, is leading a team of with high conversion efficiency,” said Lin. In order to
inter-disciplinary experts to push the compete in a dynamic changing marketplace, NSP
production capacity of NSP to another height to get further provides technical supports in the full range
ahead of competitors in a new year. of process optimization to match customer product
“Technology, Quality and Customer Services are characteristics. NSP uses technological advances
the three core competences of NSP,” said Lin when at field to reduce module power lose and improve
being asked about the competing strategy of NSP, in production yield. Additionally, NSP's experienced
an interview with Photonics Industry & Technology engineering team is available to work with customer
Development Association (PIDA) in early 2010. design and engineering teams to develop innovative
According to Lin, NSP was founded in December solutions to meet demands in the dynamic market.
2005 with a vision of providing clean and renewable This ensures that the best materials and processes are
energy for mankind. In doing this, NSP aims to be used in the development of customer's products.
a leading solar cell manufacturer specializing in NSP is making much progress in launching new
research, development, and manufacturing of high products, such as the “Super Cell” & “Perfect Cell”.
efficiency solar cells. For example, Lin noted that Super Cell leads the
industry with 16.8 % conversion efficiency of multi-
Technology Advancement crystalline solar cells in mass production. NSP’s R&D
“Leveraging PV device physics & semiconductor team develops the patented process technology with
Fig.1 Fab 1 and Fab 2 of NSP
Courtesy: NSP

COMPANY PROFILE
years of industry experiences in Fig.2 Super Cell & Perfect Cell

process improvement, material Courtesy: NSP
sourcing, and quality control.

This not only enhances the cell
efficiency but also consequently A Bright Future
reduces power losses after module As for now, NSP’s strateg y
lamination. With Super Cell, NSP is pays off, according to its recent
able to achieve high efficiency for solar financial report, total revenues in 2009
panels more than 240W, minimum power loss/ were NT$10.301 billion. Solar cell shipment volume
breakage rate, consistent color uniformity, greater reached a record high at 201.09MW, representing
solderability; and RoHS compliance. a 97% increase from that in 2008 and rounding an
On the mono-crystalline front, NSP demonstrates average monthly shipment volume of 25.6MW in
its capability with Perfect Cell. Lin described the 4Q09. Furthermore, monthly revenue in January 2010
feature of Perfect Cell as unprecedented. Traditionally was NT$976 million, an increase of approximately
156mm mono-crystalline solar wafers are “pseudo- 73% from the same period in 2009, maintaining the
square” with the corners being cut off. The cut-off capacity utilization rate at the peak level. Driven
corners result in a smaller area from which solar cells by the strong order flow, the overall performance
and panels can capture sunlight. On the other hand, in 1Q10 is still expected to be maintained at peak
NSP’s certified Perfect Cell shows module-makers level. Lin noted that, with the contribution of
the ability to increase power density by more than 3% new production capacities, NSP is well prepared
and has an average conversion efficiency of 17.8%. for a strong global demand in 2010, and expects
With NSP’s technology advancement, Perfect Cell concurrent increases in revenue and profit.
offers extremely low light induced degradation with
superior output that can easily exceed 250W. All About Policy
Courtesy: AUO
Lin pointed out that, “With its superior power Meanwhile, Lin still calls for government’s help
generation performance and homogeneous dark in cultivating the Taiwan PV industry. In the past,
appearance, Perfect Cell provides a perfect choice Europe has been the major PV market due to feed-
for system integrators to serve in both roof-top in tariffs and other incentives from several countries
installations and BIPV application.” in the EU. The U.S government provides incentives
such as tax credit, with feed-in tariff expected to be
Aggressive Expansion Plan implemented in California and Florida. Lin pointed
Lin expected the solar demand to be further out that although Korea
Fig.3 Technology Roadmap
fueled by the global expectation on energ y has a slow start on PV
conservation and greenhouse emission reduction. technology; some big
Therefore, NSP has laid out a capacity expansion names in Korea are
Classic Cells High performance cells
to boost 2010 capacity from 240MW to 600MW, catching up fast and
Mono-Si cell (156x156mm)
which is the largest among Taiwan Peers. Being the mounting a threat to Efficiency
19.0
most proactive company among peers on expansion, Taiwan manufacturers. 19.0%
NSP estimates a 400~500MW shipment in 2010, “ T h e g ov e r n m e nt’s 18.5 18.5
representing a 100~150% increase from the 200MW policy could have 18.0
18.0% 17.8
forecasted shipment in 2009. great influences on the 17.74
Upon ramp-up of 2010 capacity expansion, NSP’s development of Taiwan
total capacity will surpass 600MW. As it continues PV industry,” said Lin, 17.0%
push up shipment scale, NSP aims to step up as global he is looking forward
2009 2010 2011
Tier 1 solar manufacturer, not only demonstrating to a strong policy
the operating commitment of its management team guided by the Taiwan
but also raising entry barrier of new competitors. government. Courtesy: NSP

COMPANY PROFILE
Fig.1 Solar Frisbee Roof project at

the Taipei European School is
a continue practice of AUO’s
green commitment
Courtesy: AUO
AUO Solar— the Trusted

Name in Future PV Industry
by Angel Chiou
A
s energy crisis becomes an urgent issue, AUO knows explicitly what to do when manufacturing
importance of alternative energy is more products. However, PV market is still in its initial phase
to be perceived than ever. AUO, the of development and in consequence leads to many
world’s leading TFT-FPD manufacturer, uncertainties for upper stream PV players. “No one can
bombed the photovoltaic industry in May 2009 with be sure about the mainstream-to-be in PV industry,
its announcement to enter PV industry. including materials, technologies, market trends and
Positioning itself as a total solution provider, AUO so on. There are too many uncertainties, but only one
aims to offer integrated technical supports in energy thing cannot be wrong—” said Mr. Chen, “to create a
system. “We all know that AUO is quite experienced PV brand name.”
at OEM in LCD and IT industry, but this is not an
experience that we can copy and paste when entering A Name to be Trusted
PV industry,” said James C.P. Chen, Senior Associate This is indeed what AUO wants to do— to create
Vice President of Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit of a brand name in PV systems. From power plants to
AUO. For LCD/IT industry, the markets are mature industrial facilities and commercial buildings, solar
and the downstream applications are clear, so that systems will finally enter household installation. At

COMPANY PROFILE
that time, efficiency, partner of PV system planning, design and

stability, and safety installation service. The solar power plant was on-
would be the grid by the end of last year and generates about 3
foremost concerns of MWp to supply electricity for 800 households.
customers. A brand In the other case, AUO coordinates with the
name company that systems partner together to launch the Solar Frisbee
provides ser vice from Roof project at the Taipei European School. This
quality management to system project is to build a Frisbee-shaped solar canopy to
installation, even follow-up maintenance would meet a playground. This solar roof consists of 32 units of
customers’ needs. “Brand name is definitely a trend, 210W PV modules with a total output of 6.8 kWp,
and AUO will be the name to be trusted in future PV generates 6,205 kWh and reduces approximately 3.95
industry,” said Mr. Chen. tons of CO2 emission per year. “AUO has always been
In order to secure high quality and high-efficient dedicated to the sustainability of
solar wafer, AUO partners up with M. Setek— a our environment,” said
Japanese-based supplier of polysilicon wafers Mr. C he n , “and
of over 20% conversion rate— through t h rou g h t h i s
subscribing the company’s new share. project we
AUO’s investment is expected to increase continue
the capacity of polysilicon from current
3,000 tons to 7,000 tons. The alliance Fig.2 The solar park project in
Hungen city generates about
with M. Setek not only strengthens 3 MWp to supply electricity for
AUO’s strategic position in solar value 800 households.
chain but help develop Japan and Courtesy: AUO
overseas market as well.
In addition to upstream materials, putting
AUO also devotes its effort to PV modules A U O ’ s
manufacturing for promising quality. In commitment to
February 2010, AUO’s module is certified to have action—green energy,
passed all requisite testing of TÜV Rheinland in the green building, green life.”
areas of safety, environment simulation, and product Indeed, AUO is one of companies that highly
performance, and is now ready to compete in the value green ideas. In 2008, AUO activated a company-
international PV market. Mr. Chen pointed that a PV wide mission called AUO Green Solutions, AGS in
module comes with a 20-year-long warranty, but “not short. This mission aims to practice green innovations,
every company lasts over 20 years.” And that is why green procurement, green production, green logistics,
AUO made the decision to do module manufacturing green service, and green recycling that are all created
by itself. Now, AUO is building the first solar module and realized in an environmentally friendly manner.
production line in Taichung which will be ramped up Take the company’s 46 inch “Eco Plus” TV panel for
in Q1 2010. The capacity is expected to increase from instance, the product has reduced its impact on the
50MW in 2009 to 100 MW by the end of 2010. environment through 30% reduction respectively in
weight, thickness, and energy consumption. In 2010,
Projects on Going for AUO targets to achieve an 80% waste recovery rate, a
Greener Future 70% reduction from 2004 levels in water consumption
Since June 2009, AUO has shipped its solar per substrate size and in greenhouse gas emissions per
modules to the market. Since then, the company substrate size. Just like Mr. Chen proudly mentioned
has several projects on going, such as the solar park during the conversation, the establishment of AUO
project in Hungen city, Germany. The company Solar “further takes AUO from actively achieving
provides 12,700 units of PV modules for strategic energy efficiency to aggressively creating energy.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Gintech Prospers After

the Storm
by PIDA
in the vicinity of its current Jhunan plant. Upon the

installation of 200 MW capacity projected for the first
phase construction by 2011 Q2, Gintech will be one
among the global few to exceed 1 gigawatt in size. And
if market allows, the new fab can be easily expanded to
2 gigawatts in three to four years. (See table 1).
For shipment, Ms. Fu said solar cell shipments is
expected to exceed 160 MW in the fourth quarter of 2009,
up around 60% from Q3 and bringing the annual total
to a record high of above 360 MW, or over 101% growth
in comparison to that of 2008. With the shipment being
increased to above 50 MW for each respective month in
Fig.1 Gintech now embraces a positive gain after the hard
time in the first 6 months of 2009 the last quarter of 2009, the company not only makes a
Courtesy: Gintech Energy Corporation beautiful ending for the turbulent 2009, but also unveils a
propitious year in 2010.
Established in August in 2005 by Kuo, Ching-
“A
s far as we can see, the year Tsai, former Chairman of the state-owned Chinese
2010 could prove to be a very Petroleum Corporation in Taiwan (CPC), Gintech has
prosperous year for solar been the focus of the market since its founding due
cell industry,” said Frances to its strong working team from different successful
Fu, Executive Administrator of Gintech Energy sectors in Taiwan— including semiconductors,
Corporation, Taiwan’s second largest solar cell petrochemicals and electronics— serving as a solid
provider, in an interview with Photonics Industry & foundation for the company’s rapid growth to be
Technology Development Association (PIDA) in late one of the world’s top 10 solar cell makers within
December, 2009. just two to three years, as well as for its whetted
competitiveness as one of the best-quality product
Rapid Growing Capacity Expected providers with an average efficiency of above 16%
to Reach 810 MW by 2010 Q3 in multi-crystalline cells. “In fact, during our rapid
Beginning from two 30 MW production lines at buildup, Taiwan’s expertise in IT industry along with
Guanyin in northern Taiwan in 2006, Gintech has the abundant and well-trained process engineers have
been growing very rapidly in past years. “Our capacity greatly helped in shortening our learning curve and
almost always doubles every two years,” said Ms. Fu. achieving better technological performance,” cited Fu.
Standing currently at 600 MW, the company will add
two new 50 MW production lines by June this year. Great Help from Asian Market
Together with a subsequent debottlenecking, Gintech’s On the other hand, newly onboard chairman
capacity will reach 810 MW by 2010 Q3. Furthermore, Wenent Pan— in mid June of 2009— charged the
in December 2009, Gintech board approved the new management team with the task to further secure
proposal to invest around NT$5 billion for a new fab its foothold in Japanese market so as to usher in a

COMPANY PROFILE
Table 1 Gintech is gearing up for a leader role
Time Capacity
new and steady stream of revenue. Beginning from Kuan Yin Plant: 60 MW
October 2009
Chunan Plant A: 540 MW
mid 2009, Gintech has supplied solar cells to some
Kuan Yin Plant: 60 MW
Japanese module makers and system providers on a September 2010
Chunan Plant A: 750 MW
tolling basis. And the business keeps growing steadily, Kuan Yin Plant: 60 MW
as a result, against the mild growth of traditionally big 2011 Chunan Plant A: 750 MW
Chunan Plant B: 200 MW
European customers such as Germany and Spain, Asia-
Kuan Yin Plant: 60 MW
based customers including Japan, South Korea, China, 2013-2014 Chunan Plant A: 750 MW
Taiwan and India accounted for nearly 60% of revenue Chunan Plant B: 1.2 gigawatts
as of 2009, growing from less than 40% in 2008. The Courtesy: Gintech Energy Corporation
successful cost reduction efforts together with enlarged

sales worldwide have joined to bring the company’s back On December 10 of 2009, the world’s top contract
into normal track with positive gains at the yearend. chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co
Nevertheless, Gintech will not just rest on its (TSMC) inked an agreement with Motech Industries
laurels. Chairman Pan, himself a Ph. D in chemical Inc, the island’s largest solar cell maker, to buy a 20
engineering and also a former Chairman of the state- percent stake for NT$6.2 billion (US$192 million),
owned CPC, is exerting his past working experiences a first move that reveals TSMC’s determination
to ensure Gintech’s favorable standing as one among to tap into new green energy businesses. Analyst
the top five global solar cell vendors in the near said although the deal would just make a minimal
future. Gintech might be the first in PV business to contribution to TSMC at less than 1 percent of its
adopt process optimization for best cost effectiveness. total revenues of NT$364 billion in 2010, the synergy
With the 16.5% efficiency “Douro” cells already from the alliance could be exceptional.
in commercial production, Ms. Fu said with great Somehow Gintech holds a more reserved view
confidence, “We are one among the highest in average towards vertical integration. The company believed
conversion efficiency, yet at the same time, we can vertical integration involves greater risks in PV supply
achieve that with the lowest processing cost.” chain as each link is situated in a different business
field and involves respective professional expertise
Open but Prudent to Potential to excel. “One has to be very careful in making such
Strategic Partners a strategic move because being the champion in one
Even though the outlook for solar cell industry link doesn’t ensure it will also win in another,” said
in 2010 looks much healthier than 2009 because the Fu. However, Gintech is also keeping an eye closely
factors that dimmed the market demand are gradually on all possible deals. “Currently we are focused on
mitigating, still there are challenges emerging ahead. cell-making. But we are indeed open to any option
Among others, the enlarged and deepened effect of that will enhance synergy by working with strategic
industry integration is worthy of note. partners along the PV supply chain,” said Ms. Fu.
Fig.2 Gintech’s capacity almost always doubles every two years

Courtesy: Gintech Energy Corporation

COMPANY PROFILE
Kinmac Solar: Cultivating

Sustainable Environment
through Photovoltaic Energy
by PIDA
K
inmac Solar Corporation (formerly manufacturing company. Kinmac Solar not only
known as Lucky Power Technology manufactures standard PV (SPV) modules but also
Company Limited) principally engages in provides Building-Integrated crystalline silicon
the production of standard photovoltaic photovoltaic (BIPV) modules with consistent quality
modules, design and installation of solar panel and performance to meet demands of clients and
modules as well as BIPV in Europe and Taiwan. Amid architects.Kinmac Solar is the first BIPV manufacturer
the economic crisis in 2009, Kinmac Solar still showed to obtain the IEC61215 certification in Taiwan.
positive signs of growth and received investment Emerging from the Incubation Center of
from Kinsus Interconnect Technology and WIN Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in
Semiconductors Industry. Additionally, during a recent Taiwan, Kinmac Solar started construction of its first
interview with Photonics Industry & Technology module production line in 2007 and was awarded
Development Association (PIDA), Chief Executive TÜV IEC61215 and ISO9001 certifications for its
Officer of Kinmac Solar Mr. Robert Huang stated that SPV and BIPV products. Kinmac Solar began mass
Kinmac Solar has teamed up with Solargiga Energy production in 2008 with an annual capacity of 25MW.
of China to form a joint venture Jinzhou Jinmao Huang noted that the goal of the company
Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. with an expected is “cultivating sustainable environment through
capacity reaching 400MWp in three years. photovoltaic energy” through its valuable human
Huang said, “It is our vision to become a assets and innovative technology. Kinmac Solar
world leading photovoltaic module design and is fully dedicated to manufacturing cost efficient
products that will help the human race reduce its
Fig.1 Capacity expansion plan of Kinmac Solar carbon dioxide footprint while producing clean and
renewable solar power and bring benefits to the
Capacity Expansion Plan company and its shareholders.
China Taiwan By employing continuously improved
Unit: MW
600 methodologies and replication practices, Kinmac
500 Solar has increased its module production capacity
400 from 25MW in 2008 to 100MW in 2009. With
400
300 300 production plants in Taiwan and China, Huang said,
200 200
“Kinmac Solar will be able to expand production
100 200
capacity to meet customers’ demands”. Huang
50 100 150
50 projects the capacity to be 600MW by 2012.
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 Kinmac Solar continues to improve its products
with superior design and manufacturing capability;
Courtesy: Kinmac Solar the company brings in the right equipment and

COMPANY PROFILE
experienced, talented people to help install modules

for domestic and European projects. Huang
pointed out that in October of 2008, Kinmac was
awarded the World Games 2009 Stadium project in
Southern Taiwan with a capacity of 1MW and an
unprecedented scale of 8,844 pcs BIPV modules.
The stadium is now the world’s largest solar roof top
project ever seen.
Besides, eyeing the market potential, abundant
sunshine in the north eastern region of China, and
Fig.2 10MW Solar Power Plant in Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
the Chinese government's intent on pushing the
Courtesy: Kinmac Solar
development of renewable energy in full throttle,
Kinmac Solar is working with Jinzhou Yangguang
Energy Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Solargiga to establish ensuring stable, consistent production
Jinzhou Jinmao Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. and a strong logistics system for efficient, on time
in Jinzhou, China, marking Kinmac Solar’s next world-wide distribution and delivery
step in downstream vertical integration. The initial • Innovation: Progressive, cutting edge designs
investment is totaled 13 million US dollars and the through continuous Research and Development
venture is expected to boost capacity 100MWp every driving market trends while minimizing cost
year to 400MWp within three years. • Performance: Uncompromising Engineering
Combining the lower manufacturing cost focused on optimizing output and elevating efficiency
from China with the superior technology from and performance standards ensuring our products
Taiwan improving efficiency and quality, Jinzhou stay competitive and converge with market need
Jinmao Photovoltaic will principally engage in the The total capacity of Kinmac Solar was 50MW in
production, sales of PV modules as well as design and 2009; as the expansion plan proceeds, the company
installation of PV systems. The company has inked a expects to increase the capacity in Taiwan to 100MW
deal with the Jinzhou city government for a 10MW before the end of 2010 and 200MW in China, to meet
power plant and has finished a 300kw demonstration customer demand and to achieve vertical integration.
site for showing SPV, BIPV, thin film PV modules and Taiwan is renowned for its production of PV
PV street lamps. Huang is optimistic about the future products and is now ranked top three worldwide
development. in PV manufacturing. Huang noted that as global
warming and carbon emissions are becoming major
Quality first policy concerns for every country, many developed countries
Kinmac Solar is aiming for the leading position already place a great emphasis on promoting the
in the PV module market by providing high quality, “green energy industry”; it is particularly important
low cost and reliable PV products. “Our policy is to for Taiwan to promote the green energy industry
continuously improve our quality system enabling us since it needs to import most of its fuel from other
to immediately identify quality issues and implement countries. Therefore, the development of the PV
corrective actions to improve overall performance,” industry should be taken into account as a “national
said Huang. policy”, not simply as an economic model. Huang
He further noted that Kinmac Solar is dedicated urged the Taiwan government to rethink its feed-
to its core values: in tariff policy and to come up with more generous
incentives to encourage PV investments. Such
• Quality: Unwavering attention to quality incentives should accommodate a seven to 10 year
production, guaranteeing complete customer ROI schedule (return on investment) instead of the
satisfaction ensuring recurring business current 20 years, thereby encouraging and stimulating
• Reliability: Secured supply chain management the growth of the PV industry in Taiwan.

COMPANY PROFILE
Fig.1 An off-grid system installed by Motech Power in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Courtesy: Motech Power
Motech Power: Power the

World with Solar Energy
by PIDA
W
ith production capacity of 272MW Motech Solar, in an interview with Photonics Industry
in 2008 and ranked as one of the & Technology Development Association (PIDA) in
top 10 solar cell manufacturer in the 2009. According to Chang, Motech Power was founded
world, Motech Solar has extended in 2002. Thanks to an early start in the system market,
its reach to provide with measurement equipment, Motech Power was able to accumulate its expertise
solar cells, and solar application products. Motech through various installation projects and to stand out
is the first company in Taiwan that steps into solar among competitors with advantages such as quality,
power system market. Motech Power was founded durability and efficiency. In 2006, Motech Power had
in 2002 to promote the use of solar power systems in emerged to be the top solar power system installer
Taiwan and to contribute its efforts to environment in Taiwan with a market share of over 60%. Besides,
and the society. Motech Power utilizes the expertise Motech Power has extended its reach globally with an
and knowledge of Motech Solar to create photovoltaic aim to “Power the World with Solar Energy”.
electricity systems that reduces the environmental As for now, Motech Power has implemented around
impact of generating electricity by using renewable 230 system installation projects with a total capacity of
energy sources. Since then, Motech has became 3.4MW. Various installation projects include 200kW
Taiwan's largest and most reputable installer of solar Solar City in Hua-lien, 75kW Liudai Hakka Cultural
power systems, including the 150kW system project Park, 150kW system in Palau, and 950kW solar power
built in Republic of the Marshall Islands. system in Hsien-Da Power Plant, etc.
“Cost, Quality and Performance are our weapons,” Take the solar power system installed at the
said Luke Chang, President of Motech Power, the Kaohsiung City Hall for example, this 6.6kW solar
Power Division of Taiwan’s largest solar cell provider power system is on-grid with utility power and

COMPANY PROFILE
Fig.2 Solar power system installed at the Fig.3 Solar-powered sun shade for Motech
Kaohsiung City Hall parking lot in Southern Science Park
Courtesy: Motech Power Courtesy: Motech Power
works as a sunshade to block the sunlight and to the solar industry showed a sign of recovery recently.
save energy. When the solar panels are implemented Taiwan government has drafted its policy on feed-
on the outside of the city hall building, they help in tariff and roll out plans such as “Green Energy
to reduce the electricity used for air conditioning. Industry Sunrise Plan” to create incentives for local
Suppose the building is built to last for 40 years, manufacturers to develop solar cell related products.
then the solar power system could be in operation to The goal is to encourage the use of clean energy and
provide energy saving effect for approximately half of to achieve grid parity by 2012.
the lifetime of the building. Meanwhile, Tai-power, the sole utility power
In designing the BIPV system, the interior design provider in Taiwan, plans to initiate its solar system
and the wire routing issues should be taken into installation projects around the island with a total
consideration. For example, the Motech parking lot in capacity of 10MW. Therefore, a lot of contracts have
Southern Science Park deploys a 20kW solar power been offered to local and foreign system integrators.
system is integrated with sunshade capability. It uses As the leading solar system provider in Taiwan,
glass curtain wall design concept to let the solar Motech Power has won the trust of Tai-power. For
panels look frameless, in this way the sunshade/solar example, the 950kW solar power system in Hsien-Da
panel looks aesthetic and progressive. Power Plant verifies the capability of Motech Power
Leading countries are keen to develop renewable to compete against the foreign contractors.
energy, especially the solar energy, to fight against the Motech has been involved in manufacturing of
ever-rising oil price and the foreseeable shortage of silicon wafer, solar cell, system and related system
fossil fuels. The government plays an important role components; therefore, Motech can provide vertical
in developing the solar industry. integration and helps to implement the whole
Germany leads other countries in developing system. Chang further stresses on cost, quality and
solar energy; many successes can be attributed to performance to be Motech’s advantages.
its long term government policy which effectively
promotes the industry and provides feed-in tariff A company with a mission
to subsidize the local industry for over 10 years. When asked about the future prospect of Motech
Korea has followed the pattern by encouraging large Power, Chang said that it has always been a belief for
corporations such as LG to build solar power plants Motech to “Create a sustainable environment through
and promising electricity buy back to guarantee 6% advanced technology,” he further noted that: “Motech
profit rate. As noted by Chang, he said that Taiwan Power is dedicated to use advanced technology and
government should consider taking more measures to provide clean energy to help preserve the earth, as
to help the local solar industry. a member of the global village, it is our responsibility
Though affected by global economic downturn, to let the children of the world breathe clear air.”

SOLAR Taiwan
The 4th Solar Taiwan Conference in 2010
Venue: Taipei Int'l Convention Center, TICC
Date Session Topic
The Shifting PV Demand: From Europe and USA to Asia
European PV Market after Germany’s Subsidy Cut
Market Trend
CPV Market and Technology Trends
June 9, 2010
American PV Market After the Economic Turmoil
(Wed)
Success Factors in Promoting Japanese Photovoltaic Market
Industry Trend Prospect of Photovoltaic Development & Application in China
Current Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry & Market Development
Photovoltaic System Integrations & Related Effects
System
PV Inverter Technology Trends
Solutions
Green Building and BIPV

June 10, 2010
(Thu)
One RMB per Watt: The Technology Development of PV Silicon Material
c-Si Technology N-type silicon solar cells and buried back contact solar cells
High-Efficiency Solar Cell Technology Development
Thin Film Solar Cells Development Trends
Edge-cutting Current Status of CIGS Commercialization & Product Breakthrough

and Competitive
Technology Market and Technology Trends of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Competitive HCPV Technology

June 11, 2010
(Fri) Overview and Comparison of Global Solar Power Plants
Tai-Power On-grid Photovoltaic System Overview and Benefits Thereof

Solar Power
Application Supply, Establishment and Installation of Photovoltaic Equipment
Sharp’s Solar Mobile Phone - Development Forecast of Solar -

powered Consumer Products

Optolink International Edition 2010 Q1 Issue

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Optolink International Edition 2010 Q1 Issue

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

OPTOLINK Q1, 2010

6 Feed-in Tariff Impact on Worldwide Photovoltaic Installation

13 The Urgency for PV Development and Needs of HCPV

38 AUO Solar— the Trusted Name in Future PV Industry

Global Photovoltaic Indus

Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1 Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1

4 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

c-Si a-Si CdTe CIGS DSSC

40% 93% 89% 87% 80% 77% 76% 74%

Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1 Courtesy: PIDA, 2010/1

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 5

Feed-in Tariff Impact on

6 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

Fig.1 Reported and projected annual installations to 2013

Courtesy: Lux, Gartner, EPIA

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 7

8 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 9

Annual PV installations by country in MW

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

3,000 2007: Spain introduses feed in tariff,

1,500 2006: South Korea

Courtesy: SEIA, EPIA, Worldwatch

10 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

France India Portugal ROW Other EU Belgium Czech

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 11

12 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

The Urgency for PV

Table 1 Carbon dioxide emission amount from miscellaneous power plants

Coal power plant 0.914

Courtesy: Taipower Co., Taiwan

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 13

6 11Thecases of technical service had been provided.

14 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

Fig.3 MW HCPV plant

8 INER has built eight irradiation collecting

9 INER has established HCPV qualification center

10 One MW HCPV demonstration system

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 15

Fig.4 3kW HCPV System by Arima Eco Energy

16 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

HCPV Industry Chain in Taiwan

A III-V Epi Chip C+D Module / System

Ching Ming Shan Optronics CN-JT

Advanced Renewable Energy Inc. (AREi)

Top Tower Technology (3T)

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 17

Testing Research Equipment

Institute of Nuclear Veeco

National Central University

Fig.5 The 300kW CPV power plant project installed by

18 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

Can CPV Reach

Article Published in InterPV Magazine, December 2009 Edition

Solar Deployments: Conversion shown significant advantage, but efficiency of

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 19

Courtesy: SolFocus Courtesy: SolFocus

20 • OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1

Puertollano, Spain. May 2009 Actual Power compared to Rated Power

SolFocus CPV Typical PV FIxed Tilt Rated Power Power@20C Ambient

CPV Mono-SiPV Poly-SiPV Thin-Film

Courtesy: SolFocus Courtesy: SolFocus

OPTOLINK International Edition 2010 Q1 • 21

Monthly Energy Produced, Energy Predicted, DNI