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CIGS Solar Cell Efficiency Record Set — 20.8%

by Zach October 29, 2013
written by Zach October 29, 2013
CIGS Solar Cell Efficiency Record Set — 20.8%

thin film solar cell efficiency recordThe Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) has announced that it has set a new copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cell efficiency record.

The 20.8% record beats ZSW’s own previous record of 20.3% as well as the 20.4% multicrystalline PV cell record — the first time that thin-film solar cell efficiency has surpass multicrystalline PV cell efficiency.

“Our new record shows that CIGS thin-film technology still has untapped technological and economic potential,” says Michael Powalla, head of the photovoltaics division at ZSW.

The record was confirmed by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

Of course, thin-film solar PV has some advantages. “Compared to standard solar cells, thin-film photovoltaics saves materials and energy since the coating used is just micrometres thick. This is a considerable cost reduction factor for future production. The experts all agree that the new record demonstrates the great potential of CIGS technology for even more cost-effective and efficient photovoltaics.”

Thin-film solar has always had that low-cost advantage. But for its efficiency (typically its weak spot) to rise, it could really see some market growth. If this can be translated into commercial products.

So, what will this actually translate into in commercial products? “It may take a little time for the higher efficiency to be reflected in production,” Powalla says. “But 16 to 18% in commercial modules is possible over the next few years.”

For more solar records and solar facts, check out our Solar Energy & Solar Power Facts page.

Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-WürttembergCIGSCIGS efficiency recordCIGS solar cell efficiency recordCIGS solar cellssolar cellsthin film solar cell efficiency recordthin film solar cellsZSW
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Zach

is the director of CleanTechnica, the most popular cleantech-focused website in the world, and Planetsave, a world-leading green and science news site. He has been covering green news of various sorts since 2008, and he has been especially focused on solar energy, electric vehicles, and wind energy since 2009. Aside from his work on CleanTechnica and Planetsave, he's the founder and director of Solar Love, EV Obsession, and Bikocity. To connect with Zach on some of your favorite social networks, go to ZacharyShahan.com and click on the relevant buttons.

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