Arizona-based solar panel firm First Solar proudly announced that it is currently developing the largest thin film research and development (R&D) center in the Western Hemisphere.
About the project
According to the press release, First Solar officially commissioned a new R&D center in Lake Township, Ohio, on July 18, 2024.
The Jim Nolan Center for Solar Innovation will cover a total area of 1.3 million square feet. This innovative facility will have a cutting-edge pilot production line for full-sized prototypes of thin film and tandem photovoltaic modules.
The project is part of the company’s whopping ~$500 million investment in R&D facilities.
Unfortunately, First Solar has not yet shared the facility’s official inauguration timeline.
What are thin films?
Thin films refer to extremely thin layers of materials, typically a few nanometers to microns thick, utilized to catch sunlight and convert it into electricity.
This material is a crucial component in thin-film solar cells, which is a type of photovoltaic technology currently gaining traction due to its several edges.
For instance, thin films utilize less material than traditional crystalline silicon solar cells. In effect, it cuts production costs, thus making the product more affordable.
“Thin films are the next technological battleground for the solar industry because they are key to commercializing tandem devices, which are anticipated to be the next disruption in photovoltaics.”
First Solar CEO Mark Widmar
Expected outcome
First Solar already operates a production line at its Perrysburg factory in Ohio for late-stage product development.
However, it apparently limits development flexibility. Therefore, the company expects the new R&D center to speed up innovation cycles.
In addition, First Solar also aims to leverage the new facility to boost the country’s competitiveness against China when it comes to thin film photovoltaics.
“While the United States leads the world in thin film PV, China is racing to close the innovation gap. We expect that this crucial investment in R&D infrastructure will help maintain our nation’s strategic advantage in thin film, accelerating the cycles of innovation needed to ensure that the next disruptive, transformative solar technology will be American-made.”
First Solar CEO Mark Widmar
This new project demonstrates First Solar’s dedication to leading the solar panel industry, particularly in thin-film technology. Apart from the Jim Nolan Center for Solar Innovation, the company will also commission a perovskite development line at its Perrysburg campus in H2 2024.
