Giolando D.M., Collins R., Davis R.J.
Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC), US
Keywords: industry-academics, manufacturing, materials, photovoltaics, small business
The Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC) was funded as a means of strengthening the photovoltaics research and manufacturing base in Ohio. Activities revolve around eliminating market barriers currently facing companies in the photovoltaics sector. Companies active in the photovoltaics industry, from those researching advanced materials development to those deploying energy producing devices, advise and coordinate experts in PVIC membership. Ultimately, PVIC consists of an internationally recognized group of photovoltaics fabricators with an infrastructure attractive to companies that are already successfully marketing and to researchers of the future generations of photovoltaics. For maximum impact on increasing production efficiency and lowering costs, PVIC takes a vertically integrated approach from research in advanced materials to the fabrication of production-scale modules, to issues related to installation, and finally to aspects of customer acceptance. Consequently, PVIC consists of academic, industrial, and federal laboratory experts in semiconductors or as suppliers to photovoltaics fabricators. Collaborators in PVIC possess knowledge of how to overcome real-life problems arising in connecting a module to the electric grid and how to obtain customer support for building integrated PV designs. Companies along the entire value chain have been brought into PVIC.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 700 - 703
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Sustainable Materials
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6