Copper indium diselenide (CIS) solar cells are reportedly regarded as the most promising technology among all thin-film solar cells.

Without the use of silicon and with very little raw materials required, CIS cells can keep the manufacturing costs to a minimum. The first CIS solar cell plant in Miyazaki, Japan, started commercial production in 2007 with an annual production capacity of 20MW, and a second plant is currently under construction with an annual production capacity of 60MW. This plant is expected to start commercial production in 2009.

Showa Shell is seeking to enhance efficiency of the mass production plant for CIS solar cells by combining Ulvac’s mass production technology of vacuum components, gained through the production of semiconductor and flat panel display equipment.

Showa Shell seeks to enhance production cost competitiveness and to start a new plant in 2011 with an annual production capacity of 1,000MW.