LG Display to enhance solar-cell business

SEOUL, June 16 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co., the world's second-largest flat-panel
maker, said Tuesday that it will step up efforts to develop its solar-cell
business in order to secure a new revenue source.
The South Korean company said it will invest 50 billion won (US$40 million) in
building a production line for thin-film solar cells by the end of the year in
Paju, north of Seoul.
A solar cell is a device that converts light directly into electricity. The
thin-film technology reduces the amount of light-absorbing material required in
creating a solar cell.
This can reduce processing costs from that of bulk materials as well as energy
conversion efficiency, according to experts.
LG Display aims to start commercial production of the solar power cells by 2012,
the company said in a statement.
The company said it will later expand its target market for solar cells from
solar power plants, buildings and public displays to mobile displays and
automobiles.
According to market researcher Nano Markets, the market for thin-film solar power
cells is expected to grow to $14 billion in 2015.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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