GMI1982

Cleantech's Solar Conundrum

Interesting questions but if you understand anything about new technology commercialization, you'll realize that both CIGS and CPV are progressing through final field validation. CPV is MUCH BETTER than any solar technology in areas of high DNI, and the reliability will not be matched in deserts or temperature-sensitive climates. CIGS is the next-generation CdTe, just like CdTe was the next-gen Silicon.

Every project that requires external financing, i.e. where the project depends on a separate investor, is experiencing setbacks. Just talk to SunPower, SunEdison, First Solar, et al. The only new projects going forward quickly are those where vendor or a partner provides the capital up-front from their own stash of cash/assets.

A New Use for Solar Energy - Highway Right of Way

Would like to understand your data support that thin film solar cells produce energy at grid parity? If you are talking $.04-.05 per kWh, consistent with Pulverized Coal Plants, then you are way off. If you are talking about $.20/kWh that is cheaper than price of electricity in many expensive areas of the world, then I could understand your comment.

Solar Grade: A Silicon Revolution

The cell cost is not critical measure for solar deployment, especially those for utility plant scale. It is the system cost. Compare CPV solutions, i.e. Emcore, to those based on silicon, thin film, etc. And NO OTHER technology vendor offers a 20 year warranty.