Solar Thin Films offers a range of standard lines based on its modular thin-film PV factory design. The capital costs associated will depend on the scale of operations; the level of automation; and in some cases on procurement of optional capabilities. STF estimates that thin-film PV modules made in its factories, depending on labor costs, can be manufactured for as little as $1.00/W @ 6% efficiency for an automated multi-line system and for about $1.25 to $1.50 for a single line system.

Labor requirements for various factory sizes are as follows: 1 line utilizes 76 employees, 2 lines - 128 employees, 3 lines - 176 employees, 4 lines - 226 employees, 5 lines - 258 employees, and A 6-line automated factory - 300 employees.

Manufacturing building space required for single line is approximately 2000 m², a two line system requires approximately 3600 m², and 6 lines requires approximately 8300 m².

The following standard offerings are available for the delivery of turn-key a-Si thin-film PV module manufacturing facilities:

• 6 MW thin-film PV turn-key program - single line
• 18 MW thin-film PV turn-key program - semi-automated line
• 36 MW thin-film PV turn-key program - automated line

The cost of the "turnkey" system is available upon request - the timetable for delivery is equipment 4 to 6 months, installation months 7 to 9, and start-up and commissioning months 10 to 12.

STF offers transparent conductor (TCO) coating manufacturing system that is capable of producing enough TCO coated glass to supply 36 MW a-Si facility. The cost of this turn-key system is available on request and the delivery time is 10 months.

STF offers additional equipment for manufacturing various building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules and photovoltaic BIPV window elements up to a maximum size of 1500 x 2500 mm. This basic BIPV option is able to provide 1.5 x 2.5 m modules, as well as create various patterns on the a-Si plates, and costs approximately €1.5 million.

Equipment for manufacturing of colored BIPV modules by depositing dichroic reflective interference filtering film is also available and with pricing depending on the desired throughput. The related BIPV equipment cost for encapsulation, assembly, and module coloring starts at €3 million.

• 30% down payment at signing of the contract
• 50% partial payment on the equipment as it is delivered
• 10% paid upon completion of the Equipment Test
• 10% paid after completion of the Performance Test

The a-Si manufacturing facility can start producing PV modules 12 months after a valid contract has been signed and the down payment made.