According to the raw materials used in solar cells can be divided into two major categories of organic and inorganic. The use of natural materials, organic solar cells made of pentacene and polymers. Popular on the market today are inorganic silicon solar cells, accounting for 90% of total production.
At present there are about five companies in South Korea are actively engaged in solar cell and module production, including Hyundai Heavy Industries, KPE, MillinetSolar and ShinsungENG. Since solar power plants in the region is still the largest user of solar cells, manufacturers R & D activities focus on improving the conversion efficiency of solar cells. Most solar cell manufacturer in Korea specializes in the production of solar cell modules, although many companies have the ability to produce solar cells, they outsource to overseas suppliers. Production of solar cells, wafer manufacturers are usually imported.
Improve the conversion efficiency is the key
In addition to solar power plants outside the integration of solar energy and architecture (building-integratedphotovoltaic, BIPV) system is the largest South Korean solar cell applications. For BIPV, South Korean companies are improving their ability to customize, produce value-added features of the solar cells. Engaged in the module assembly to resolve the solar cell manufacturers are usually glass, metal plates, and other key components of integration.
According to Korean Intellectual Property Office data show that poly-silicon solar cells account for about 53% of the overall market, monocrystalline silicon solar cells account for 32%. Although the polycrystalline silicon solar cell production costs are lower, but in general the energy conversion efficiency is quite low.
Monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the average conversion efficiency is about 16.5%, polycrystalline silicon is 15.5%. High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells can exceed 17%, while the high-conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar cells known as more than 16%.
Improve the conversion efficiency depends largely on the company’s technical strength. For example, ShinsungEng production of solar cells 156 × 156mm, the company said it would seek to increase the efficiency of its solar cells to 20%.
HaeSungSolarCo.Ltd production of solar cells and modules are usually used for outdoor applications. The company’s latest product is a roof of solar cells embedded in cars, is now a major car manufacturer from South Korea to conduct market tests prior to release. HaeSungSolar also produce LED solar cells, the company claimed to have a patented technology that allows solar panels in the individual repair or replace the battery.
Expansion to stimulate demand for alternative power sources manufacturers
PhotonInternational report said solar cell industry is growing at an annual rate of 50% growth in 2010 total global solar cell industry, generating capacity will reach 10GW, valued at 36 billion U.S. dollars. South Korean manufacturers expect the market for alternative power supply as demand continues to rise in exports this year will rise.
ShinsungEng company expects exports will account for 90% of the total output of solar cells around the main export markets include Europe and North America. The company in Korea, Chung-buk built a new production line, the current annual output of 50MW can be raised.
MillinetSolar the company’s export ratio was 90%, and its solar batteries are used in street lamps and other public facilities. The company also has a number of products sold in China, has been used in Beijing Olympics. HaeSungSolar expects its exports account for the proportion of total output will reach 20%, major markets including the United States, mainland China, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Italy.
