Abstract
Solar cell（Photovoltaic/PV） is one of the promising areas of alternative energy. In recent years, due to the subsidies by local governments, the solar cell related market and industry are growing up rapidly, especially in German, Japan and United States. The PV industry in Taiwan is also in this bloom, Motech and E-ton are especially outstanding. The industry prospered and more and more late followers entered this market. However, with the strong growth of PV industry, the demand for silicon for silicon-based solar cells has exceed the amount available and has led rising silicon feedstock prices then restrained the cost-decreasing of silicon-based solar cells. Therefore, the next generation—“thin-film solar cell” becomes an emerging star for its cost potential and less material demand.To understand the detailed aspects of thin-film PV, research went through a cost analysis to determine the “key resource” for producing a thin-film PV. After analysis, the most critical resources are cell equipment and TCO glass. Therefore, research locked on these two subjects and tried to figure out the dependence relationship between thin-film PV manufacturers, equipment suppliers and material suppliers. What’s more, some feasible opinions would be proposed for Taiwanese thin-film PV manufacturers.Research has shown the Taiwanese manufacturers relied on turn-key solution. That is, they lose control power on equipment and can only do some improvements on manufacturing process. By the way, the domestic offer for equipment is also tough because of its immature technology, high risk and difficult verification. As for TCO glass, Taiwanese manufacturers also have to depend on several main global suppliers, but they still have a chance to get involved in.Finally, this research suggests that: a) For advancing the independence of equipment and material and reducing the cost, Taiwanese thin-film PV industry can try to begin with 3.5 generation vacuum plasma equipment and materials for transferring the key resource. b) Taiwanese manufacturers can attempt to focus on consumer products and choose a particular market for earning more profit.