Solar energy is abundant, local and emission-free. Until 2006, Shell Solar has been involved in the production of silicon solar modules, the most widely applied technology, but has decided to move straight into next generation thin-film technologies. We believe that the next generation technology will be able to reach cost competitiveness with retail energy on a faster timescale than silicon, as a result of a continued production process and the raw material used. Therefore the silicon activities have been divested to focus mainly on the further development of this next generation technology. CIS Thin-Film Technology Advanced CIS (Copper indium diselenide) thin-film technology could provide a real cost breakthrough for solar power. The production process is less complicated, with limited chance of breakage and no usage of expensive silicon. The CIS metal solutions are sprayed onto a glass sheet in layers, comparable with the way coated windows are made, eliminating the need for complex wiring and assembly. CIS modules are particularly well suited for urban areas. Their smooth black appearance makes them suitable for building integrated applications. Moreover, the technology has excellent performance under low-light conditions e.g. shade. Shell Solar has played a major role in the development of first-generation CIS technology and has been successfully producing and marketing its products. Shell and Saint-Gobain Glass Deutschland have announced their joint venture, Avancis, to begin solar power panel manufacturing based on advanced CIS technology. The initial annual capacity of the plant will be 20 MW and is likely to commence in 2008. When built, the plant will manufacture solar panels, which when installed would power an equivalent of around 6,000 European households additional per year with clean energy. Generating the same amount of electricity from a coal-fired power plant would release about 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. For more information on Avancis, please visit:  http://www.avancis.de/company.html
Rural activities Shell has developed its rural operations over the last five years in Asia. We have established a direct sales, installation and service channel in areas where communities have no or limited access to grid power. Currently, Rural Operations is active in India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, China and Indonesia. Silicon Solar activities Shell Solar’s silicon activities have been divested to SolarWorld. For information please visit: www.solarworld.de More information: Meeting the energy challenge - Shell's commitment to alternative energy
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