The Stuttgart-based researchers at Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research, ZSW) have demonstrated a CIGS solar cell conversion efficiency of 20.3%. The area of the world record cell is 0.5 square centimetres and surpasses their previous record of 20.1%, established in April 2010.
“Our researchers have made the cells in a CIGS laboratory coating plant using a modified co-evaporation process, which in principle can be scaled up to commercial production processes,” noted Michael Powalla, member of the board and head of the photovoltaics division at ZSW. “The Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Germany, has confirmed the new results. However, it would take a while before the increased efficiency of CIGS solar cells can be commercially utilised.”
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Manz Automation has recently signed a licensing and strategic alliance agreement with Würth Solar, which partnered with ZSW on CIGS technology. Manz is now responsible for introducing advances and turnkey solutions based on the R&D at ZSW.
