Based on the success of the special issue on “Thin-Film Photovoltaics” (TFPV) that was published in 2010 in the International Journal of Photoenergy, we decided that the 2010 special issue will become the first in a series of annual special issues on TFPV.

In the last 18 months, thin-film PV has literally boomed, probably well beyond expectations. The world's largest PV modules manufacturer is indeed producing only thin-film modules based on CdTe inorganic solar cells and, in 2009, has been the first in history to overcome the 1 GW thresholds of modules manufactured in one year.

We expect now similar achievements also for CIGS-based solar modules and rapid progress also in the field of amorphous Si systems, especially with reference to flexible solar panels. Similarly, we expect fast progress in the field of off-grid systems using TFPV as power source, including solar hydrogen production with these systems coupled to water electrolysis. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Inorganic cells (CIS, CIGS, CdTe, amorphous silicon)
• Organic cells
• Dye-sensitized cells
• Third-generation cells

Papers about scientific breakthrough, technical matters, industrialization, and economic investigation are all welcome. For the already commercialized inorganic cells, recent improvements and achievements for next generation products can be presented.

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijp/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: