CIGS thin-film module producer Avancis has reported a record conversion efficiency of 17.9% with a 30×30 cm² champion mini-module, certified by Fraunhofer ISE.
Avancis said that the mini-module was based on a mass-produced CIGS absorber from its production plant in Torgau, Germany, deploying an optimizsed indium-based buffer layer. Material yield was said to have been enhanced by a dry vacuum coating processes. The improvement in efficiency was achieved by a modified design with reduced cell width, optimised ZnO: Al front contact and through the improved application of laser processes to reduce the dead zone between the series-connected cells.
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Dr. Jörg Palm, CTO of Avancis said: “This achievement is not just another world record for CIGS solar modules, it generally shows the unbroken dynamics of thin-film development. Transferring that result into production would lead to CIGS modules with the impressive power of 170 Wp on a ‘PowerMax’ product size of 1m².”
Avancis has previously announced plans to build a 300MW plant in China, after being acquired by CNBM Group in 2014.
