Comments on: Intel spins off solar cell maker SpectraWatt

In a big commitment to clean tech, Intel-funded SpectraWatt will manufacture solar cells for panel makers starting in the middle of next year.

[behemoth81]

so what kind of solar cell are they making?

[mlamonica]

Silicon. I just updated the story. Beyond that, they're not saying a whole lot about the technology at this point.

[Alexisjw2008]

They will produce polycrystalline silicon solar cells, right? Not sure what a hail storm will do to these roof-mounted crystals!

Alexisjw

[jmcgrath35]

You need to qualify these numbers. You say this plant will produce 60 megawatts worth of cells. Over its lifespan? Annually? And you say photovoltaics business is growing "on the order of 40 percent to 50 percent." Again, over what timeframe? And from what base?

[mlamonica]

Yes, you're right: that's manufacturing 60 megawatts worth of cells per year. The *annual* growth rate number came from SpectraWatt.

[judysolar]

"Intel Inside" is not only in PC, but also in PV----judysolar.spaces.live.com

[Shawn-Solar]

JMCGRATH35 - in solar, factories are measured by the MegaWatts they can produce in a year. The same goes for solar installations - a 60MW factor produces solar cells or modules capable of producing 60MW of electricity in one year.
ALEXISJW2008 - the polycrystaline cells are protected by laminating glass over top of the fragile wafers - the panels are already in use all over the wrold and are living through hail, snow and sand storms for 20+ years.
behemoth81 - they are making polycrystaline cells. there is no mention if they will will produce Modules (the panel that goes on your roof) or ject the cells. My geuss is they will sell thier cells to Solon (one of the investors they list) who is a module maker from Germany.