Thin-film PV has a very high potential for cost reduction if materials and manufacturing can be improved by intensive and effective R&D on the fundamental science and production technology. The challenges facing thin films are to be found mainly in the realm of up-scaling production capacity. The global production capacity of thin films is expected to reach 4.2 GWp/year in 2010 and 10 GWp/ year in 2012. It is being installed mainly in Japan, the USA and Europe. Europe already has excellent thin-film R&D infrastructure and a number of thin-film factories.
To improve module prices, progress is needed on three fronts: the performance of the modules (efficiency, or W/m2), their direct manufacturing cost (€/m2), and increased volume production. It is direct manufacturing cost ($/m2)
Except R&D, Quality Assurance and monitoring metrology could reduce the direct manufacturing costs of TFPV for the existing products. However these processes are still in their infancy for the TFPV manufactures.

This project proposes to overcome these limitations by integrating and optimizing a novel system –CONIN - to include and in-line monitoring and inspection techniques for the main processes within the TFPV production line. By introducing and validating CONIN for the manufacturing process the project is aiming to reduce materials, energy use, achieve higher yields, and improve the overall economics of the TFPV.
The CONIN is concentrating in monitoring and controlling main processes within the production of TFPV: Transparent Conductive Oxide TCO deposition, Laser Scribing and cell area.

Partners requested:
- Manufactuirng TFPV Control  systems/devices
- TF PV Manufacturer
- En uder of TFPV for energy supply