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The Process Development and Integration Lab (PDIL) Vision is to integrate deposition, characterization, and processing by being flexible and robust; having a standardized transfer interface; and controlled sample ambient between tools. The benefits are: (1) answers to previously inaccessible research questions; (2) control and characterization of critical surfaces (interfaces) and how their impact on subsequent layers; (3) assess process-related source chemistry, surface chemistry and kinetics, and bulk reconstruction; (4) grow layers and alter interfaces using controlled processes and transfer ambients (without exposure to air); (5) develop new techniques, methodologies, device structures, materials, and tools (growth, processing, and analytical); and (6) improved collaborations with university and industry researchers.

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This presentation on wafer replacement cluster tool discusses: (1) Platform for advanced R and D toward SAI 2015 cost goal--crystal silicon PV at area costs closer to amorphous Si PV, it's 15% efficiency, inexpensive substrate, and moderate temperature processing (<800 C); (2) Why silicon?--industrial and knowledge base, abundant and environmentally benign, market acceptance, and good efficiency; and (3) Why replace wafers?--expensive, high embedded energy content, and uses 50-100 times more silicon than needed.

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The NREL Sensitized Solar Cell (SSC) Core Program supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) targeting new devices and processes for commercialization by 2015 that are less expensive, more efficient, highly reliable, and environmentally benign; (2) collaborating with DOE OS/BES to conduct basic research targeting breakthroughs in key areas, such as ultra-high efficiency and/or ultra-low cost materials and devices.

This project supports the Solar America Initiative by: Exploring new ideas that have the potential to make a real difference; and Portfolio of ideas including some that bring a new twist to a proven approach and some that are entirely new.

This project supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) Reducing LCOE through--Increased power output from cell, and avenues for lowering of cell cost--substrate recycling; and (2) Establishing reliability by--Determination of cell degradation mechanisms; Integration of design for reliability into future cell development; future-generation cell development; cell reliability; advanced modeling for cell-system integration; basic science supporting cell development; and industry study.

The task objectives are: (1) Gain an improved understanding of hydrologic, geochemical and biological processes and their interactions at relevant time and space scales; and (2) Develop practical, site-independent tools for evaluating effects of natural and engineered processes on long-term performance.

The overall goal of this presentation is: (1) provide test and evaluation of PV cells/modules/systems to TPP participants, other PV industry, labs, and universities in support of technology optimization efforts sponsored by DOE's Solar Program and the SAI; (2) support commercial and emerging technology development; (3) provide component and system performance data to improve and validate system performance models; (4) provide T and E support for reliability activities; and (5) priority is placed on TPP's and other solicitations.

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The project overview of this presentation is: (1) description--(a) laboratory R and D in advanced heat transfer fluids (HTF) and thermal storage systems; (b) FOA activities in solar collector and component development for use of molten salt as a heat transfer and storage fluid; (c) applications for all activities include line focus and point focus solar concentrating technologies; (2) Major FY08 Activities--(a) advanced HTF development with novel molten salt compositions with low freezing temperatures, nanofluids molecular modeling and experimental studies, and use with molten salt HTF in solar collector field; (b) thermal storage systems--cost analysis and updates for 2-tank and thermocline storage and model development and analysis to support near-term trought deployment; (c) thermal storage components--facility upgrade to support molten salt component testing for freeze-thaw receiver testing, long-shafted molten salt pump for parabolic trough and power tower thermal storage systems; (d) CSP FOA support--testing and evaluation support for molten salt component and field testing work, advanced fluids and storage solicitation preparation, and proposal evaluation for new advanced HTF and thermal storage FOA.

This project supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) Providing solar radiometric measurements, data, and related technical information support to NREL Measurements and Characterization Task; NREL Reliability and Durability Task; Systems and component testing and evaluation for the SAI TPPs; Requests from industry; (2) Producing credible radiometric measurements traceable to recognized standards for performance and Industry applications in accordance with IS0-17025 accreditation scope; (3) Contributing to consensus codes and standards for performance and measurement techniques for NREL R&D, SAI TPPs, and industry applications; (4) Maintain stability of the NREL solar radiation reference (absolute cavity radiometers); (5) Execute high quality detailed radiometric calibrations for broadband and spectral radiometers to meet NREL research and PV industry needs; (6) Participate in national and international consensus standards development, contributing technical expertise, data, and analysis where appropriate; (7) Provide technical information on solar radiation resource data and applications to meet research and industry needs; and (8) Transfer technology in this area to other researchers and industry via publications and conference papers and presentations.

This project supports the Solar America Initiative by: R and D that contributes to goal of grid parity by 2015; research to fill the industry R and D pipeline for next-generation low-cost scalable products; development of industry collaborative research; and improvement of NREL tools and capabilities for film silicon research. The project addresses both parts of film silicon roadmap: (1) amorphous-silicon-based thin film PV--amorphous and nanocrystalline materials, present '2nd generation' technology, 4% of world PV sales in 2007; (2) advanced R and D toward film crystal silicon--definition, large-grained or single-crystal silicon < 100 {micro}m thick; 3-8 year horizon; and goal of reaching 15% cells at area costs approaching thin films.

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