World energy outlook (ref. WBGU)
The world is now facing two major energy challenges, namely to:
- preserve our environment
- overcome energy shortage
While there are natural limits to some renewable sources of energy such as wind power, biomass and hydroelectric power, the sustainable potential of solar power is virtually unlimited. Recent studies indicate that by the next century solar power might cover more that 50% of our needs.
The solar energy market
The solar market is expanding rapidly in all regions. The amount of energy produced by solar panels has risen by 40% annually since 2002, and will continue to rise by at least 30% annually in the coming years. In 2006 the PV (photovoltaic) market was estimated at 2.3 GWp.
The growth is currently supported by governments, with e.g. investment subsidies or feed-in tariff systems, as state support is necessary before grid parity can be reached (grid parity = point at which the cost of solar power equals the cost of conventional electricity in the country/region concerned). However, grid parity is expected to be reached between 2010 and 2020 in the US, Europe and Japan.
Technology
Solar energy can be produced by different technologies using different types of equipment. Crystalline technology (modules using crystalline cells) is the most widespread today. But this technology is hampered by a shortage of silicon, and so alternatives are being developed. These mainly come under the heading of “thin film technology” and include a-Si (amorphous silicon), CIS (copper indium diselenide) and CdTe (cadmium tellurium). A third group comprises solar concentrators, often using solar mirrors to concentrate the sunlight. This type is used only in solar farms and is therefore a project-driven market.
Solar products at AGC
Our company supplies the right types of glass for all of these technologies. With facilities located in the US, the Philippines and recently also in Belgium we provide the patterned glass cover used in crystalline technology. This glass, Solite and Solatex, is made to the highest specifications to provide an efficient solution for the customer. Both types of glass can be supplied with an anti-reflective coating, to increase light and energy transmission.
We also target thin film technology, in particular a-Si and CdTe, for which our more than 20 years of experience in TCO coating is highly valued (TCO = transparent conductive oxide). Our facilities in the US and Belgium for on-line coatings and in Japan for off-line coatings provide the highest efficiency in the final module. Our VU coating is regarded by many companies as the best solution for their products.
When it comes to mirror concentrators, different projects require different technologies. Our strength lies in mirror technology for extra-thin, extra-clear glass. We have dedicated specialists to provide lamination solutions to our customers as well as to provide them with the most suitable solutions for external environments.
Organisation of Solar Glass
The Solar Glass business unit is managed on a worldwide basis, with regional teams to ensure appropriate coordination.
Contact information
solar@agc-flatglass.com