(Keithley Instruments Inc: Cleveland) -- A recent survey of solar cell and photovoltaic device researchers and manufacturers, working in government, university-based, and corporate labs and manufacturing facilities indicates distinct differences in testing methods and priorities among respondents from Asia, North America, and Europe. Keithley Instruments Inc. conducted the study during Summer 2009 using a by-invitation-only online survey generating 564 responses.

Across all geographies, the survey indicates the industry is focused on improving device efficiencies as the dominant development priority. “Reducing manufacturing cost” was the second most important among the respondents, as might be expected, although substantially less significant than the need to boost device and panel performance.

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