Let's Take a Look at
Evergreen Solar

They are best known for their "string ribbon" technology.

String ribbon involves a manufacturing process where wires are pulled through molten silicon to form a multicrystalline ribbon of silicon crystals.

The "ribbon" is then cut to length and treated.

Why make solar panels this way? Well, it uses about half the silicon that traditional manufacturing methods use. That saves money.

The downside? String Ribbon solar cells are a little less efficient, converting less light to electricity than traditional solar cells. Also, they require a lot of heat to manufacturer so there are increased energy costs.

Update, October, 2011: Tough times are here for many solar companies. Evergreen Solar filed for bankruptcy protection on August 15, 2011. Competition from China and slumping demand have been blamed for Evergreen's financial woes.

Here are the specs on Evergreen solar panels:

Note: If you want to know more about what these stats mean check out solar panel info (it will open in a new window so you can go back and forth).

Now, onto the stats...

• Rated Power at STC (Standard Test Conditions)
  This will be the "advertised" wattage of the panel
  you're looking at (e.g. 180 watt or 205 watt).

• Rated Power Tolerance (%)
  ES-180 - +3.5/-2
  ES-190 - +2.5/-2
  ES-195 - +2.5/-0
  ES-A-200 - +2.5/-0
  ES-A-205 - +2.5/-0
  ES-A-210 - +2.5/-0

• Rated Power Per Sq. Ft. (Watts)
  ES-180 - 11.2
  ES-190 - 11.8
  ES-195 - 12.1
  ES-A-200 - 11.8
  ES-A-205 - 12.1
  ES-A-210 - 12.4

• Module Efficiency (%)
  ES-180 - 12.0
  ES-190 - 12.7
  ES-195 - 13.1
  ES-A-200 - 12.7
  ES-A-205 - 13.1
  ES-A-210 - 13.4

• Materials Warranty (Years)
  5

• Power Warranty (Years)
  10 years at 90%
  25 years at 80%

• Cell Type
  Ribbon

• Maximum Power Temperature Coefficient
  (% per °C)
  ES-180 - -0.49
  ES-190 - -0.49
  ES-195 - -0.49
  ES-A-200 - -0.45
  ES-A-205 - -0.45
  ES-A-210 - -0.45