LG Display to build thin-film solar cell business

LCD technology manufacturer LG Display is to focus its R&D capabilities on a thin-film type solar cell. The company plans to invest KRW50billion ($30m) into R&D to build a pilot line within its Paju display complex in Korea during the second half of 2009 and build an outdoor test power generation facility.

The company also aims to raise the current energy conversion efficiency rate of eight per cent to 12 per cent by 2010, and eventually achieve efficiency rate of 14 per cent in 2012 to prepare for commercialisation, according to a statement. It also plans to secure sufficient commercial value by lowering the manufacturing cost to less than $1 per watt.

LG Display aims to target the market for cells used in photovoltaic power generation, buildings and public displays during the initial stages of commercialisation. The company’s long-term blueprint includes expansion into solar cells for mobile displays and automobiles, as well as solar cells for extreme environments such as offshore photovoltaic power generation stations.

According to US market researcher Nano Markets, the thin-film type solar cell market will grow from $4.6bn in 2011 to $14bn by 2015.

LG Display is a manufacturer and supplier of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (panels, OLEDs and flexible displays). The company currently operates eight fabrication facilities and five back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China and Poland.

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: photovoltaic, solar

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