Eco Factor: 3M and NREL to develop low-cost thin-film photovoltaic technology.
3M, better known as the company behind Post-it, has teamed up with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop technology for the creation of low-cost thin-film photovoltaic modules. The $7.33 million partnership will also include biofuel technology development.
In addition to the partnership with NREL, 3M will also contribute its high efficient ceramic-fiber and aluminum cables for the Desertec Solar Energy Project. The agreements between NREL and 3M establish joint investigations in three key areas of innovation: thin-film photovoltaics, concentrating solar power and biofuels.
3M and NREL will work to develop and test new moisture barrier films and flexible packaging for thin film solar cells made of semiconducting layers of CIGS, or Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide. CIGS cells have achieved a record efficiency of 19.9 percent at NREL. But to become commercially successful, manufacturers need to both increase module performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
Via: CleanTechnica
