This paper summarizes our development of high-throughput manufacturing and the long-term testing of CdS/CdTe photovoltaic (PV) modules. We report the development of a vapor transport deposition (VTD) process for II-VI thin-films capable of satisfying the requirements of very large-scale production. CdTe film deposition rates of ⩾1 &mgr;m/s have been translated into production line speeds up to 2.5 m/min and areal generation rates up to 1.5 m2/min. The best small-area devices fabricated using VTD material are more than 11&percent; efficient. Long-term outdoor module testing continues to indicate a stable product while accelerated life testing has revealed the superiority of alternative processing methodologies. ©1999 American Institute of Physics.