Printing can help thin-film photovoltaics serve more purposes

According to our latest report,Printable Electronics Outlook: Photovoltaics, printing will serve as a key manufacturing strategy to help thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV) serve purposes in that cannot be created easily with traditional photovoltaics (PV).

We believe that TFPV will make the most difference where its distinct physical characteristics: flexibility, lightness, and ability to function in artificial light, make a difference. Solar battery chargers, building systems and billboard power sources are examples of applications that could utilize TFPV to make the products more portable and durable. In all of these cases, printing as a manufacturing strategy could make the difference in reaching price points and in creating novel products. If these technologies are utilized, we project that the market for printed photovoltaics could reach $2.5 billion in the next eight years.

About the Report
The value proposition of thin-film and organic photovoltaics is all about low-cost materials. One of the ways of achieving this is through utilizing printing. Printable Electronics Outlook: Photovoltaics analyzes and forecasts the opportunities that are emerging for printed PV of all kinds; silicon, CIS/CIGS, CdTe, organic, and hybrid organic/inorganic (dye cell.) In addition to coverage of printing the main photoactive material, this report also examines printing of other materials used in PV, such as transparent conductors. It also takes a look at the various applications for printed PV including building integrated systems, consumer electronics and military/homeland security. Included is a discussion of how the markets and technologies have changed over the past year and an eight-year revenue forecast for printed PV.