Nanomarkets predicted that major cost savings could be made in the sector in the future, as a result of manufacturers moving away from ITO as a transparent conductor.
The study suggested that by 2017, the use of zinc oxide and tin oxide in semiconductors will see substantial growth and account for 90 per cent of the such material in TFPV products.
"Sputtering is in decline for TFPV manufacturing, primarily because of the material wastage. Printing is on the increase, but the true unsung hero of TFPV manufacturing is electrodeposition," explained Nanomarkets.
The research firm noted that there could be plenty of opportunities for TFPV material production companies in 2010, with spending on such items potentially rising to $13.1 billion (£8 billion) by 2017.
This week, Frost & Sullivan observed that the popularity of touchscreen devices could help the semiconductor industry grow.
