PILATUS

The production in Europe of photovoltaic (PV) materials and components, like silicon wafers, solar cells and modules, is key for the development of the industry. The EU-funded PILATUS project will demonstrate three digitalised pilot lines by 2025 and reinforce the ‘made in Europe’ competitive edge. It will leverage on the patented back-contacted silicon heterojunction ‘tunnel-IBC’ technology. The project’s aim is a production capacity of 15 MW for M10 silicon wafers in Norway using polysilicon from Europe. It will demonstrate the feasibility of an expansion to 5 GW wafer production capacity. PILATUS will also prove a reduced environmental footprint compared to current technologies by demonstrating modules made from recycled materials, eco-design practices to facilitate the dismantling of PV panels, and manufacturing plants compliant with environmental standards.

Duration: 1 November 2022 - 31 October 2025