The technology in TFA, while a big breakthrough in PV efficiency from patterned nanowires, will not be able to compete on cost with Nanosolar and First Solar. Nanosolar uses roll-to-roll printing, with the semiconductor spray-printed into place onto the substrate (which is quick and easy). This new technique requires hours of anodization, a half-hour reaction, and then more time for deposition of the CdTe and top contact. There's simply too much processing of the substrate for it to be economical to the same extent spray-printing is. This technology may still be promising if it can get very high efficiencies ( >20%) and be used with solar concentrating mirrors.

YES! I can't believe no one mentioned Gaius before now!