Acquisition – not developing technology in-house – is the best strategy for entering the solar market, according to a survey of semiconductor companies.

The survey, conducted by Greentech Media and the PV Group (part of SEMI), sought to gauge the views of chip and solar companies on setting up manufacturing in the United States. Most of the 106 respondents said they already are investing in solar or plan to do so soon.

For those firms that don't have the money or inclination to buy solar companies, the next-best approach is to either develop in-house manufacturing technologies or purchase factory equipment designed to cut short the process to building commercial solar panels, the survey found.

Makers of crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon solar cells already can buy standard-issued equipment from vendors, while makers of cadmium-telluride and copper-indium-gallium-selenide solar cells tend to design their own factory equipment.

More respondents said they would pick crystalline silicon technologies if they were to enter the solar market. The choice "next-generation PV technologies" received the second-most vote, followed by amorphous silicon.

"It's clear to go with what you know," said Scott Clavenna, CEO of Greentech Media, in presenting the survey Tuesday. "Semi companies have tremendous experience in crystalline silicon."

When asked what technologies they would pick to ensure the United States is competitive in the global market, more respondents chose "next-generation PV technologies."

The pick corresponded with the respondents' sentiment that what makes the United States an attractive place for manufacturing is the proximity to research and development resources. Skilled workforce, government incentives and proximity to end customers rounded out the top reasons for producing solar equipment in the United States.