Dow Corning, Crystal Solar Partner on Silicon-based PV

Dow Corning and Crystal Solar have said they plan to develop a business relationship to supply high-performance, silicon-based materials for photovoltaic cells and modules.

The two companies also intend to assess options for developing high-performance building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions for building and construction, focusing on both commercial and residential applications.

Dow Corning can provide access to high-quality trichlorosilane, specialized silicon-based materials, and supply chain consultancy to support a breakthrough manufacturing approach developed by Crystal Solar to produce monocrystalline ultra-thin silicon epi-wafers, the companies say.

According to Crystal Solar, its Epitaxial technology allows for high-efficiency solar panels at lower costs with advanced functionality to competing approaches.

The companies say the solar panels will cost below $0.50/W in production.