Specific PVMaT R&D in CdTe Product Manufacturing: Phase I 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 forhigh-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 plansfor 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.; 15) Complete implementation of critical EHS improvements.