GE to spend more on R&D for thin-film PV panels

General Electric, Niskayuna, N.Y., is upping its ante in thin-film solar research. According to an Associated Press report, GE plans to spend more on R&D at PrimeStar Solar Inc., Aravada, Colo., a start-up firm in which it holds a major stake. PrimeStar produces thin-film PV panels using cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology.

“After having completed an exhaustive survey of the PV landscape, we determined that thin films were the optimum path for GE,” said Danielle Merfeld, GE’s solar R&D leader, in a press release at www.primestarsolar.com. “Specifically, the CdTe technology from PrimeStar has great potential. Bringing together world-class materials expertise, unique materials and systems modeling and design capabilities and state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor solar testing facilities, GE researchers are innovating across our four global research centers — literally around the clock — to deliver a breakthrough product to market.”