1. Focus on innovations - key to Lithuanian PV cluster competitiveness
Dr.Juras Ulbikas
Perspektyvinių technologijų taikomųjų tyrimų institutas

2. History: Established in 2008.
2011 Launch of production facilities for solar cells and modules
2014 Launch of open RTD infrastructure of PV cluster
Industry focused RTD services (testing, measurements) and industrial scale research
2018 New phase of expansion
Focus on new generation PV products (specialized RTD infrastructure)

3. Market dynamics in 10 years frame
2008: PV market growth ~30%/year, highly profitable
Cluster strategy: to introduce new manufacturing sector in LT and supporting RTD infrastructure
2018: PV market growth ~30%/year, low profit, dominated by China producers
Cluster strategy: to focus on profitable market niches with highly innovative products

4. Innovations flow to manufacturing during 10 years frame
Technology upgrades:
1. step: Standard technologies: Al-BSF solar cell technology and 3bussbar module
2. step: PERC solar cell technology and glass-glass module technology
3. step: IBC solar cell technology and multi- bussbar/IBC module technology (ongoing)
4.step: new solar converters technologies (Perovskites) and tandem modules (low TRL RTD developments)

5. Standard Al-BSF products portfolio
SOLITEK:
Solar Cells mcSi Al-BSF technology (SINGULUS)
SOLET:
PV modules: 3bussbar glass/backsheet (3S)
Technology provided by equipment suppliers:
Solar Cells: SINGULUS (Germany)
PV modules: 3S (Swiss)

6. Pilot R&D Tool Linea SSE 400
1st upgrade: PERC cell (implemented) SOLITEK: industrial scale experimental equipment (joint development with equipment manfacturer – SINGULUS)
Pilot R&D Tool Linea SSE 400

7. 2nd upgrade: IBC solar cell (ongoing) Technology approaching theoretic limits for Si solar cells performance
SOLITEK collaboration with ISC Konstanz (GE) and investor VALOE (FI)

8. Pilot R&D Tool Linea SSE 400
3rd upgrade: tandem cell (future) MET (Modern e-technologies): Next step in solar energy: combining mainstream Si technology and most effective thin film technology (PEROVSKITE, CIGS, etc)
Pilot R&D Tool Linea SSE 400

9. Innovations in market approach
Large scale installations:
Special coatings + module level power electronics = competitive solution for hot climate
Smart electronics improving O&M (operation and maintenance)
Bifacial + one axis tracking = competitive solution in north EU areas
Small scale:
Tailor made PV systems with smart electronics for BIPV and other applications

10. BIPV and Ind4.0: attractive solution to the all actors along value chain

11. Products from Lithuania
BIPV façade solution
BIPV roof solutions
BIPV for agriculture
Smart sustainable lighting

12. Conclusions:
Innovations – main driving force ensuring Lithuanian PV sector sustainability.
Due to smart strategy Lithuanian PV sector surviving and expanding in very competitive PV world