Record 18.7 percent efficiency CIGS solar cells has been achieved by scientists from Empa Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, in collaboration with Swiss solar start-up Flisom.They have put CIGS solar cells on a polymer substrate to boost efficiency of CIGS solar cells.
Previously, Empa has mounted CIGS on the steel foil substrates and has successfully reached 17.6 percent efficiency. Scientists trying to recombination losses by improving CIGS layer structural properties and the proprietary low-temperature deposition process for growing the layers as well as in situ doping with Na during the final stage. The results showed that the polymer films have proved superior to the metal foils to achieve the highest efficiency as a carrier substrate.
According to NREL, the previous record of 15.7 percent efficiency CIGS solar cells ever achieved by a start-up MiaSole in December 2010.
Although efficiency was still lower than silicon cell, but CIGS solar cells offer several advantages over traditional solar cells. Flexible CIGS can be made by print system on rollers and more flexible, lighter and cheaper cost to make. It also gives the option to install in accordance with the frames.
