SLIVER technology

Frequently asked questions



What is SLIVER technology?


Are you running trials of the technology? How can I get involved?

We have only been running trials within Origin (i.e. internally) on carefully selected sites. So, we are not seeking any volunteers for trial sites.

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Are SLIVER panels (called modules within the photovoltaic industry)available now?

No, only very limited volumes of SLIVER panels are currently being made for select installations. In order for them to be more broadly available access to expanded manufacturing capacity is required.

We are currently focused developing the technology for the manufacturing of larger modules for grid-connect applications. If you would like information on other solar modules available from Origin Energy today, please visit our solar retail business.

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Will SLIVER modules be cheaper given the potential for you to use much less silicon?

Prices are yet to be set and we will not be setting prices until nearer to manufacturing and commercialisation.

However, we expect SLIVER modules to be priced competitively in each market it participates in. Current retail prices in the Australian market (for existing technologies) are on Origin’s solar retail price list. For international buyers, exact prices would depend on volume requirements.

In the long term, we expect SLIVER modules to be cost effective.

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Will the efficiency of this technology be better than what exists today?

There are a range of factors to take into account when choosing which product is best for any particular application, one of which is efficiency. The initial SLIVER panels will have efficiency comparable to other crystalline solar panels (which are higher efficiency than thin-film panels). We have the ability to increase the efficiency by adjusting our process and raw materials, or decreasing it by spacing cells further apart within the solar panel.

We aim to ensure that SLIVER delivers compelling value for its customers for the applications for which it is best suited. Examples of this include performance under partial shading and the temperature at which the panels operate. Even a small amount of shading, such as from a nearby tree or dirt on the panel, can cause a significant drop in performance in a traditional crystalline panel. Because of the unique design of the SLIVER panel performance is largely proportional only to the amount of shade on the panel. SLIVER solar panels have thinner cells that are spaced apart which means the panels tend to operate at a cooler temperature than other panels. This enables great performance even in the middle of the day when you want your solar panels performing at their peak.

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Will SLIVER modules be good for solar hot water heating?

SLIVER modules are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, not hot water panels. PV modules generate electricity directly from the sun while hot water panels include pipes that water is pumped into and heated by sun and stored within a storage tank. Origin sells both PV systems (using existing technologies, not SLIVER modules yet) and solar hot water system.more...

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How do you make SLIVER cells?

We use a complex micro-machining process to form very thin strips on crystalline silicon wafers. The cells are formed within these strips and processed within the wafer frame which enables us to process many cells efficiently. We then remove those cells from the wafer frame and form a sub-assembly of electrically interconnected cells that become the building blocks of our solar panel. The panels can be built as large as we wish – we just add more sub-assemblies together and then encapsulate them along traditional lines (glass, backsheet, frame etc) to have a completed final product.

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How long did it take Origin to develop this technology?

We have been working with the Australian National University since 1998. SLIVER was discovered in 2000 and developed in the lab for a few years. In 2004 Origin built a dedicated development facility and small-scale manufacturing line at Regency Park.

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Can I have a sample?

We often get requests for samples of our cells. We are not providing these as the technology to assist with protection of the cell design and because a certain amount of expertise is required to handle and connect them.

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Can I distribute your product?

We are not looking at brokering Australian distribution deals at this time as we have national coverage via our existing sales team. Outside Australia we would distribute via large established wholesalers and distributors.

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Can SLIVER cells be used for applications other than in modules?

The unique attributes of SLIVER cells includes their size, their flexibility and bifacial nature. We expect to investigate opportunities to use these attributes in a variety of applications in the future.

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What is the performance impact of a coloured backing?

To date it is minimal, however as our first products will likely be white backed modules.applications. We will not be working on coloured backing (or flexible modules or other variants outside the standard) for some time.

I will be in Australia/Adelaide soon; can I come to visit your plant?

We are keen to minimise impact on our operations and so, sorry, we are not giving plant tours for the general public at this stage.

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What type of silicon do you use?

Monocrystalline - which has proven reliable over the history of the PV industry.

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Can I have a copy of your product specs?

As products become available the specs will be included on this website.

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