Innovation in solar cell production technology

A methodology for successful technology assessment is introduced. The comprehensive approach focuses on new techniques while looking at the process line on the whole, including questions of infrastructure, interfaces to other processes, handling, and material flow. Besides cost-of-ownership calculations, value of benefit analysis is a key tool to evaluate new ideas and technologies and the multidimensional assessment problem can be visualised by portfolio analysis, e.g. showing cost reduction potential versus realisation probability. Examples for innovative technologies under assessment right now are sputtering, in-line RTP, laser and plasma technology, and pad printing.