About 10 billion euros were generated by the Photovoltaic (PV) industry in 2006. Japanese companies dominate cell production for PV. However European companies are gaining market share.

Every megawatt of produced and installed PV generates 50 jobs during its lifetime. More than 50 000 jobs have been created by the global PV industry already. Considering the expected growth in the industry, the job creation potential is considerable.

At present, crystalline silicon solar (c-Si) cells in their different forms (mono-crystalline, multi-crystalline, ribbon) have a market share of more than 90%. The rest is provided by thin film (TF)
technologies (amorphous Si, CI(G)S, CdTe). Producers along the value chain of PV (Silicon, Wafers, Cells, Modules) can be found all over the world. Those industries contribute substantially to their national economies.

Thin film technologies are the fastest growing technologies. In the long run, a variety of PV technologies with specific characteristics will be available for different applications and needs.

1. PV Industry Value Chain

   The Photovoltaic (PV) market and industry can be broken down into one complete process from the first production steps for...

2. The Photovoltaic Industry Status 2011

   In 2010, the photovoltaic world market doubled in terms of production to 23 to 24 GW as well for installed...

3. Oerlikon Solar Wins the Solar Industry Award for the 3rd Time in a Row

   EU PVSEC 2011: Top level of development and innovation potential confirmed once more EU PVSEC Hamburg (Germany) / Trübbach (Switzerland),...

4. Oerlikon Solar With Solar Industry Award – ThinFab is The Winner of the "Thin Film Innovation".

   EU PVSEC 2011: Top level of development and innovation potential confirmed once more Oerlikon Solar has been honored the Solar...