RFMD and NREL to Collaborate on Solar Cell Manufacturing
Source/Type: Reported News

Author: CompoundSemi News Staff

July 1, 2009... RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) of Greensboro, North Carolina USA will be working with the department of energy on a solar project. The purpose of the collaboration is to develop a commercially viable and high volume-capable compound semiconductor-based process for high-performance photovoltaic (PV) cells. Under the terms of a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA), NREL's s knowledge and innovation experience with solar technology will be combined with RFMD's technical expertise in volume manufacturing of compound semiconductors at RFMD's wafer fabrication facilities (fab). RFMD says that the purpose of project is to develop a production capable process technology for high-performance photovoltaic (PV) cells.

RFMD says that the successful execution of the multi-year CRADA is expected to result in the production of PV cells in its high-volume compound semiconductor fabs, as early as calendar year 2012. NREL's multi-junction solar concentrator technology has reportedly demonstrated one of the world's highest reported solar cell conversion efficiencies at 40.8 percent. RFMD says that it and the NREL expect to continue substantial improvements in efficiency.

"Working with RFMD to commercialize PV cells will help us realize our laboratory's mission of developing and commercializing advanced, next-generation energy technologies," said NREL Director Dan Arvizu.

Bob Bruggeworth, president and CEO of RFMD, said, "We expect our expertise and scale will positively impact the market for concentrated photovoltaic cells, and we are proud to support our national efforts related to clean energy." RFMD News Release

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