SLIVER technology
Frequently asked questions
What is SLIVER technology?
I saw the broadcast on ABC TV’s
Catalyst programme on March 8, 2007 and want to know:
Are you running trials of the technology? How can I get involved?
We are only running trials within Origin (i.e. internally) on
carefully selected sites. So, we are not seeking any volunteers
or trial sites, thank you.
Are SLIVER panels (called modules within the photovoltaic industry) available now?
No, SLIVER technology is a complex semiconductor technology and takes at least
18 months from when a decision is made to build/source a large scale plant to
when product manufacturing begins. We will announce any decision on our website.
10W SLIVER modules are now sold out and we do not plan to produce more of that
wattage. Manufacturing and selling larger modules for grid connect applications
are next on our agenda. We are not taking orders for products at this time. If
you would like information on other solar modules available from Origin Energy
today, please visit our
solar retail business.
Will SLIVER modules
be cheaper given the potential for you to use much less silicon?
Not initially, as we are operating at a small scale from our pilot
plant. We are hoping this will change once we begin production from
a large scale plant (SLIVER modules will take at least 18 months
to go into manufacturing from when a decision is made to build/source
a large scale plant. We will announce any decision on our website.
Prices are yet to be set and we will not be setting prices until nearer to this time. However, we expect SLIVER modules to be priced competitively in the market, so check out current retail prices (for existing technologies) on Origin’s solar retail price list. For international buyers, exact prices would depend on what volume you want to buy.
But in the long term, yes there is potential for SLIVER modules to one day be cheaper. We believe that our technology will enable prices of solar to continue to decrease for the next decade.
Will the efficiency of this technology be better than what exists
today?
Many different module efficiencies exist in today’s market. SLIVER modules
will likely sit within this range once released. However the real benefit SLIVER
modules show is in energy YIELD. This relates to the kilowatt hours of energy
each module could produce. Under test conditions, prototype SLIVER modules have
shown 10.3% improvement in energy yield, compared to many similarly rated crystalline
silicon modules.
The efficiency of SLIVER cells (i.e. the building blocks of SLIVER module) is currently over 19% which affords us great flexibility in how the end product will be constructed. The efficiency will depend on what size ‘gap’ we decide to leave between each SLIVER cell within each module. Efficiency goes up when the gap size is reduced. Once modules are in commercial production, more details on module efficiency and yield will be published. more...
Will SLIVER modules be good for solar hot water heating?
No, SLIVER modules are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, not hot water
panels. PV modules generate electricity directly from the sun while hot
water panels include pipes that water is pumped into and heated by sun
and stored within a storage tank. Origin Energy sells both PV systems
(using existing technologies, not SLIVER modules yet) and solar hot water
system. more...
How do you make SLIVER cells?
We use a complex micro-machining process.
Beyond that we cannot divulge for intellectual property reasons.
How long did it take Origin Energy
to develop this technology?
We have been working with the Australian
National University since 1998.
Can I have a sample?
Not at this stage. Our modules modules
are currently undergoing testing and development.
Can I distribute your product?
In Australia, SLIVER panels will be on sale through Origin's solar retail business.
We are not looking at brokering Australian distribution deals at this time as
we have national coverage via our existing sales team. Outside Australia we will
distribute vi a large established wholesalers and distributors
Can SLIVER cells be
used for applications other than in modules?
Possibly, one day. The unique attributes of SLIVER cells includes their size:
– 80-100mm long, 1-2mm wide and about 50 microns thick – their
flexibility and bifacial nature. Once Origin Energy has completed R&D work
on modules for standard grid connect applications, we will investigate opportunities
to use these attributes in a variety of applications. Watch this space for
news as it happens!
What is the performance impact
of a coloured backing?
To date it is minimal, however as our first products will likely be white backed
modules for standard grid-connect applications, we will not be working on coloured
backing (or flexible modules or other variants outside the standard) for some
time.
I will be in Australia/Adelaide soon; can I come to visit your plant?
We are keen to minimise impact on our operations and so, sorry, we are not giving
plant tours for the general public at this stage.
What type
of silicon do you use?
Monocrystalline - which has proven reliable over the history of the PV
industry.
Can I have a copy of your product
specs?
Product specifications
for the 10W modules we produced (and are now sold out of) can be found
in the Product
Information page. We will update this as more products are
available.