Replies to post #49861 on SunWorks Inc (SUNWQ)

[black_slk320]

I got my information from reading the patents. The diagrams are where they show what they are trying to do. I then compared their process to the way the Chinese make modules (they create a very large silicon ingot, slice it as thin as possible into wafers, glue electrodes to each wafer and wire them up into a module). Solar3D says they will etch paterns on the wafers, glue up a stack of wafers, and then slice them up and apply electrodes. These extra steps and the machines to do them will add a lot to the cost. I doubt that the added cost will be offset by enough of a performance improvement to justify the higher price.

I also read the PRs about the Solar3D prototypes. Their first prototype was built in 2012. They announced a version 3 prototype last year, but they said computer simulations were used to calculate the performance. If they have a prototype, why do they need computer simulations? Most likely they have just a few small cells made by hand. There isn't an automated manufacturing process, so they are just guessing that they could be cost competitive and they are guessing about the efficiency. I'm also guessing that the extra steps and extra equipment needed will make the 3D cell too expensive to manufacture (compared to the Chinese $.60 to $.70 per watt). If they want to demonstrate their performance/efficiency, build a 5 foot x 2.5 foot panel and do some real comparisons to off the shelf panels from SunPower, First Solar, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, and Jinko Solar.