Status of solar cell technology: there are 5 groups of solar technologies as
presented in Figure 2.
1. Crystalline silicon technology (c-Si or wafer based c-Si) includes single or mono
crystalline (sc-Si) silicon, and multi or poly crystalline silicon (mc-Si). The sc-Si has conversion
efficiency of around 14-20%, and mc-Si of 13-15%. This technology currently has a market
share in commercial production of around 85-90%.
2. Thin film technology includes (a) amorphous silicon (a-Si) and micromorph silicon
(a-Si/c-Si) with conversion efficiency of around 6-9%, (b) Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe)
with conversion efficiency of around 9-11%, and (c) Copper-Indium-Diselenide (CIS) and
Copper-Indium-Gallium-Diselenide (CIGS) with conversion efficiency of around 10-12% which
accounts for a combined market share of 10-15%.
3. Emerging technology includes advanced thin films and organic cells. The prototypes
of these technologies are being developed for operation testing, but has not been widely
used for commercial purpose. installation, such as dye-sensitized solar cells.
4. Concentrator technology (CPV) uses optical concentrator system together with
small high-efficiency cell. These technologies are under development and being tested
overseas. They are expensive and have to be used with solar tracking system. These
technologies are suitable for areas with a high level of average daily solar direct radiation.
5. Novel PV concept is the research on highly efficient solar cell technology or
new materials. The research is still in fundamental stage, such as Quantum Dot,
Thermo-photovoltaic, and Intermediate band gaps.
As for the trend in global market share, crystalline silicon technology still has the
largest market share. However, the thin film technology has a rapid technological development
and is likely to gain more market share quickly, depending on the improved longevity, costs,
and efficiency