Using patent data to analyze trends and the technological strategies of the amorphous silicon thin-film solar cell industry

With the shortage of raw materials for the production of crystalline silicon solar cells, the next generation of solar cells has reached the perfect stage for development. While in the past, researchers have emphasized the development of crystalline silicon solar cells, the application of the next generation of crystalline silicon solar cells is different. Of the thin-film solar cells (TFSCs), the most widely recognized is the amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFSC. It has the greatest potential to be developed, and many manufacturers have already invested in its research and development (R&D). In this study, we employed a set of indicators to analyze the technological development of the a-Si TFSC, and found that the major technology field has reached the mature stage in the technology life cycle of this product; moreover, four patent strategic clusters were identified. The results regarding the company and technology levels of the clusters were integrated with profile data and developmental progress information to understand the patent performance, technologic capacity, and R&D background of the a-Si TFSC.

Research Highlights► Using patent data to analyze the technological strategies of the a–Si thin–film solar cell industry. ► Perform a patent portfolio analysis consisting of both technology- and company–level analyses. ► We employed a set of indicators to analyze the technological development of the a–Si TFSCs.