World record (CIGS) solar cell, achieves 20.8% efficiency2013-10-24 The ZSW researchers have improved the efficiency of CIGS thin-film solar cells to 20.8%. This figure is a record for converting sunlight into electrical energy and, for the first time, it exceeds the efficiency of market-dominating multi-crystalline silicon solar cells.
CIGS thin-film technology still offers untapped technological and economic potential
"Our new record shows that CIGS thin-film technology still has untapped technological and economic potential," says a delighted Prof. Dr. Michael Powalla, board member and head of the photovoltaics division at ZSW.
"But 16 to 18% in commercial modules is possible over the next few years." Market-standard CIGS modules currently attain efficiencies of 14 to 15% - a module always has lower efficiency than an individual solar cell.
CIGS is in the lead
The success of the Stuttgart-based scientists substantially surpasses their own record for CIGS solar cells of 20.3% on glass. More significantly, however, this value beats the peak performance of 20.4% for multi-crystalline silicon cells. Market-dominating multi-crystalline cells have held onto their advantage for nearly 30 years - now CIGS is in the lead. The results have been officially confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Freiburg, Germany
CIGS solar cells are made with indium.
For the investors not familair with Adex, the company owns one of the largest reserves of indium in the world along with reserves of the valuable metals tungsten and tin.