ZSW and IPVF plan five year research project on next-gen flexible CIGS solar cells

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
ZSW has already achieved four CIGS world records. Image ZSW

An initial five-year R&D program is starting between the German-based Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the Institut Photovoltaïque d'Île de France (IPVF) in Paris to develop next-generation flexible photovoltaics featuring copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) solar cells.

The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the processes in the solar cell and then increase cell efficiency for flexible substrates into thin-film modules.

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

ZSW has already achieved four CIGS world records, while IPVF is said to have a long-time experience in CIGS solar cell deposition processes and architectures and is engaged in flexible CIGS solar cell development. ZSW is also the research partner of specialist PV equipment manufacturer, Manz AG. 

IPVF was started in October 2013 with a €150 million investment by the French government. The institute can host up to 200 PV researchers and offers 4000m2 of laboratories.  

2 February 2027
London, UK
Returning in 2027 for its 14th edition, Solar & Storage Finance Europe will bring together the brightest minds representing funds, banks, developers, utilities, government and industry across Europe and the UK on a programme that is solutions-focused from top to tail. The event is designed to enable leaders at the forefront of solar and storage investment and deployment in Europe to scale, learn and land themselves industry defining partnerships.

Read Next

August 12, 2026
This evening’s solar eclipse will cut Europe’s effective solar PV capacity by 9.7GW, according to ENTSO-E.
July 30, 2026
German chemical producer Wacker Chemie has recorded a significant decline in its earnings from polysilicon, due to the adverse market conditions in the solar sector.
July 23, 2026
The average price of a solar PPA signed in Europe in the second quarter of 2026 reached US$74.85/MWh, according to LevelTen Energy.
July 16, 2026
German solar energy research institute ISC Konstanz has appointed Dr Gerhard Mathiak as its head of its module department.
July 14, 2026
German solar and wind developer SoWiTec has announced insolvency due to excessive debt.
July 14, 2026
For the first month ever, solar PV has made up 25% of monthly electricity generation across the European Union in June 2026.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye