The solar breeder factory: Minimizing the cost of photovoltaic energy generation

We envision a solar breeder factory approach to reduce photovoltaic (PV) systems costs. In this distributed manufacturing approach, a PV module factory with a 25 MW annual production capacity is located adjacent to a site where a large grid connected PV system will be installed over a number of years. The collocation of these facilities reduces cost by eliminating module packing, shipping, handling, unpacking, inventory, and sales expenses. In addition, large kilowatt size modules can be produced to minimize Balance of System (BOS) installation costs. Large modules minimize installation labor for mounting and module electrical interconnections, while enabling cost-effective module power management electronics for maximizing solar array energy production.