Can we finally declare thin film a failure?
It seems like no one has come up with a profitable business model around thin film. Are they over reaching to markets they cannot compete in?
It seems like the fatal flaws of thin film continue to be high cost for low efficiency and a short life span.
If they focus on its strengths, light weight, low power, low profile and disposable (short term uses), that should dictate their market.
It seems perfect for niche applications like providing basic power for communications gear in a disaster relief zone.
For example, thin film panels as part of light weight, very portable power modules designed for 2 or 3 years of use while infrastructure is rebuilt after a disaster. Instead of one big plant, go for providing hundreds, if not thousands to a city in need.
Agencies like FEMA (and their international counterparts) and the Red Cross would be the target market.
