Flexible CIGS solar cells claim efficiency record
The thin film CIGS solar cell was manufactured in a regular production run and the process is already implemented in the production line.
“Considering that the solar cell is made on stainless steel, contains no cadmium and that the production process is an all-dry, all vacuum process where all layers (including the buffer layer) are deposited by sputtering, this achievement by our engineers is truly impressive,” said Sven Lindström, CEO Midsummer.
With the production system from Midsummer the solar cells are manufactured individually and then stringed together into modules like crystalline solar cells. The production technique enables lightweight flexible modules to be made in any size and shape.
A dry, all-vacuum process has less stringent requirements for clean-rooms. Avoiding cadmium in the manufacturing process is desirable for the sake of the production staff and also makes it easier to commence low cost manufacturing of CIGS solar cells.
“The global solar cell market is facing a paradigm shift,” said Sven Lindström, CEO, Midsummer. “Fewer large solar energy parks are being built in Europe. Instead, focus is moving to installations on large buildings in cities. The lightweight and flexible thin film solar cells are ideal for this use. It is economically and environmentally more beneficial to use solar energy locally, where it is produced.”
“Midsummer’s objective is that our technology shall be a leader in the market segment lightweight, flexible solar panels, and that the company shall grow in tandem with this rapidly growing segment.”
Related articles and links:
News articles:
Recycling process trims thin film CIGS manufacturing costs
Siva Power nears 19 percent efficiency for CIGS solar panel
Nanoparticles provide efficiency gains for thinner solar cells
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
