Specific PVMaT R and D in CdTe product manufacturing: Phase 1 annual report, 5 May 1998--4 May 1999

This report documents the work performed by First Solar, LLC, during the first year of this Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) subcontract. The following milestones were successfully completed: (1) Initiate lamination development program by interviewing key suppliers and experts such as STR, Inc., ARRI, and automotive glass manufacturers; (2) Complete process specification for high-throughput laminator; (3) Initiate contact with module testing laboratory and complete preliminary module design review; (4) Complete review and survey of current environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs; (5) Complete design specifications for the high-throughput laminator; (6) Complete preliminary testing of modules; (7) Establish Qualification Testing Schedule; (8) Develop plans for critical areas of EHS improvement with the assistance of industry experts such as OSHA On-Site Consultation; (9) Begin de-bug of high-throughput laminator; (10) Initiate qualification testing on First Solar's standard modules; (11) Initiate EHS improvement projects; (12) Complete prove-in of high-throughput laminator at a rate of 30 modules per hour; (13) Complete report on lamination rates, yields, and reductions in labor and equipment costs; (14) Complete qualification testing on First Solar's standard module for IEEE 1262 and UL 1703; and (15) Complete implementation of critical EHS improvements.