GT Solar, one hot company with a sunny future
with a sunny future
Figure 4. A finished cell with silicon nitride (Si3N4) coating, etching, and metallization for collecting and trans-
ferring energy as compared to a raw slice of wafer.
Figure 5. Bosco and Chou pose in front of a solar
panel to show the size of these modules.
although it may slow a bit with present ment GT Solar builds is shipped outside to ensure that solar receives the same treat-
economic conditions. “Solar industry the U.S. ment as other renewable energy sources
growth continues to be throttled by high under this program, and to ensure that
silicon pricing, but we believe silicon price Stimulating the U.S. market solar projects can commence. One, solar
declines are good for the industry over the What’s needed to grow the renewable projects should be eligible for the grant
long term and good for GT Solar,” said energy market in the U.S.? The serious program if construction has commenced
Minnucci. downturn in the economy and the high by December 31, 2010. And two, the ITC
“Energy conversion efficiency with our price of oil has caused many in both the for solar projects should be temporarily
PV turnkey modules is at 15.5%,” said private sector and government to take a increased to 45% during 2009 and 2010.”
Chou. renewed look at solar and wind, according Though solar growth needs to be
Although it’s difficult to determine to Fred Kocher, the government relations encouraged in the U.S., where energy
where you’re getting ahead with a system, specialist at GT Solar. Three states are independence needs to be a goal that is
grid parity is a common measurement. leading the way when it comes to the use backed by the government, growth in this
Grid parity is where your investment in of solar energy: California, New Jersey and market overall is only just beginning. And
a PV system equals the cost of electricity New Mexico. As more states, consumers GT Solar shines in supplying specialized
from the grid in terms of cost per watt. Be- and electric utilities embrace solar energy, equipment, turnkey set up and services to
cause energy costs are high in Europe, grid it will become a more significant part of this burgeoning market.
parity comes faster, so PV growth is encour- the energy mix in the United States, as it is
aged. Right now the top countries involved in countries such as Germany and Japan.
in solar are Germany, Spain and Japan. “In “We are encouraged by the DOE
Germany, if you’re a solar farmer, there’s Grant Program created in section 1721
a guarantee buy back of solar power that is of H.R. 598 of The American Economic
higher than what they charge you during Recovery and Reinvestment Plan being
the evening when you typically feed the considered by Congress,” said Kocher.
grid.” Approximately 90% of the equip- “However, there are two changes necessary
www.globalsolartechnology.com Global Solar Technology – November/December 2008 – 31
issue_2.1.indd 31 2/22/09 9:40:17 PM
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