Areas of activity
The strategy is being implemented in 98 individual projects with a total budget of €150 million over a period of 5 years. The public sector - the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and state ministries - are financing 50% of the expenditure. The cluster is led by the production companies which are also responsible for the R&D strategy, the selection of partners and the funding of their share of the costs. The regional network of stakeholders successfully supports this complex and closely interlinked development approach.
Development of technology
Developments in technology are being accelerated by means of a long-term research strategy co-ordinated across all stages in the value chain. The goals are, in particular, higher PV system efficiency, greater product reliability and longer product life as well as lower production costs. It is especially important to ensure the seamless integration of the specific development results into the individual stages in the value chain. The development concept extends from fundamental research to its application in innovative production technologies for new products.
The cost targets for the intended innovations are based on past experience: prices sank by 20% when PV production doubled. The Solar Valley concept ensures that this price learning curve will be carried forward into the future – and at the same time the costs must follow the price reduction while maintaining producers’ margins – (please see the chart entitled “Solar Price Learning Curve” for more information). This will be a great help in achieving the “grid parity” milestone. It should be possible to achieve this before 2013 (under the weather conditions in Central Germany).
Education
The high-tech photovoltaics industry needs highly qualified specialists and managers. In addition to the need for enough personnel simply to cover requirements in this rapidly growing industry, the challenge is to meet the quality requirements of an industry which really wants to make its mark in the high-end segment internationally. The cost targets are closely associated with the growth scenarios in the industry.
By 2020, 30,000 jobs will need to be filled, corresponding to 50% of all jobs in the PV industry and its supply companies in Germany as shown in the latest chart entitled “Rise in Employment in Solar Valley”. An integrated education system is being set up to meet these requirements. As an immediate measure, 4 new B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses have been started and 7 academic chairs supported by private foundations have been established.
Cluster management
Cluster management supports the development of the network and the interaction of the partners in the network. Measures of particular importance are: to make the region more attractive to national and international investors, to support spin-offs, to improve internal and external communication as well as marketing. They also include the presentation of the industry at international fairs and conferences, in expert discussions and on political committees as well as in press and public relations work.
