NICE Solar Energy & Manz set CIGS thin-film solar module efficiency record at 17.6%

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The new total area efficiency record has been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland on a module surface area of 120 x 60 centimeters, using Manz production equipment at the NICE Solar Energy R&D facility in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. Image Manz

The German-China partnership between Manz and China Energy Investment Group Co., Shanghai Electric Group Co and Future Science City, now known as NICE Solar Energy, have set a new CIGS thin-film module conversion efficiency record of 17.6 %. 

The new total area efficiency record has been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland on a module surface area of 120 x 60 centimeters, using Manz production equipment at the NICE Solar Energy R&D facility in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

NICE Solar Energy is currently building manufacturing operations in Chongqing in central China with an initial capacity of 306MW. 

 

The forthcoming PV CellTech 2020 event in Penang, Malaysia on 10-11 March 2020 is to feature a special session topic on thin-film solar PV, and review the prospects of this technology being the subject of another round of global investments.

Read Next

June 4, 2026
The opening of this week’s SNEC show in Shanghai was marked by a shared recognition of the need for China’s PV industry to move beyond unchecked capacity expansion and brutal competition, writes Carrie Xiao.
June 3, 2026
Chinese solar manufacturer JinkoSolar has launched its 700W Tiger Neo 5.0 module series and a SunTera G5 energy storage system.
June 1, 2026
The Philippines has become the second-largest market for Chinese solar panel exports, likely to power a surge in its rooftop solar market
June 1, 2026
The ESMC has joined 22 other European industry bodies in signing an open letter, calling for greater protection from 'unfair trade practices'.
Sponsored
May 27, 2026
From next-generation modules to bifacial innovations, Tongwei's booth A2.350 promises to be a destination for anyone serious about solar.
May 27, 2026
New solar PV installations in China have reached 50.9GW between January and April 2026, according to data from the Chinese National Energy Administration (NEA).

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026