Spark will maintain a strong R&D presence via our in-house PV expertise and our well established links with leading solar research institutes and industry partners. Our R&D focus will be on leading edge technologies closely associated with module manufacture, with cell technologies that will directly impact upon module production, and with advanced downstream system design and operational issues.

Spark's R&D effort will focus around three core projects: development of Australian tailored modules, silicon solar cell technology studies, and next generation module development. Each of these projects will keep Spark at the forefront of technology, will help to improve the performance our product and lower our production costs. Spark's agile R&D philosophy will enable us to respond quickly to the changing needs of our customers.

Spark also owns our very own solar cell technology, the Angled Buried Contact ('ABC') cell. ABC cells have the potential for cell efficiencies of more than 1% absolute above the industry standard (16%). This is achieved by virtually eliminating all shading losses created by the front metal contacts, and represents a significant improvement over current technology. Spark's long-term plan is to commercialise this technology and incorporate it into our solar panels.