Key issues and cost estimates for the fabrication of CuInSe/sub 2 /(CIS) PV modules by the two-stage process

International Solar Electric Technology (ISET) has developed a two-stage process for the deposition of stoichiometric and uniform CIS films. The conversion efficiencies of ISET's CIS-based solar cells are about 11%. The two-stage process is briefly discussed, and the key issues that need to be addressed in order to make this technique suitable for large-scale, low-cost manufacturing of CIS modules are highlighted. Estimates for cost of manufacturing for a plant with a production capacity of 6 MW/yr (on one shift per day basis) shows that CIS modules can be manufactured for >