It is best known as the material for CIGS solar cells a thin-film technology used in the photovoltaic industry. The process for fabricating the ZnO nanowire CIGS solar cells is illustrated in Fig. Novel approaches are being developed that are more similar to printing technologies than traditional silicon solar-cell fabrication. CIGS-based thin-film solar modules represent a high-efficiency alternative for large-scale, High-Efficiency Crystalline Photovoltaics, Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Solar Cells, Real-Time Photovoltaic & Solar Resource Testing, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fabrication of all CIGS solar cell layers, Co-evaporators with electron-impact ionization spectrometer rate control for CIGS following in our CIGS thin-film cell research and development: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is a national laboratory Solar cells based on chalcopyrite Cu (In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorbers are among the most promising thin-film photovoltaic technologies with laboratory scale power conversion efficiencies (PCE) reaching 20.4% on a flexible polymer substrate and 22.6% on a soda lime glass (SLG) substrate. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film solar cells are now in production for energy conversion devices. sample sizes. Zinc oxide, formed on the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer on top of the CIGS cells is susceptible to damage by moisture. – Designed the CIGS cluster tool (currently being built) for the PDIL which will allow … The cells are designed so that light enters through the transparent front ohmic contact and is absorbed into the CIGS layer. CIGS thin-film solar cells have reached 21.7 percent efficiency in laboratory settings and 18.7 percent efficiency in the field, making CIGS a leader among alternative cell materials and a promising semiconducting material in thin-film technologies. Cell-level reliabilityMost reliability testing is done at the module level. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) based solar cells are receiving worldwide attention for solar power generation. Deposition can be done without a vacuum, using nanoparticles or electroplating, though those techniques require more development to be economically efficient at a large-scale. testing, Extensive collaboration with NREL groups involved in measurements and characterization at the front and back contacts. of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Most of the light is absorbed by the p-type thin film (absorber) and the photocurrent is generated. Since such "2 Terminal" tandem cells made of CIGS and perovskite now represent a separate category, the National Renewable Energy Lab NREL, USA, has created a new branch on the famous NREL chart for this purpose. Omissions? A subsequent printing process deposits additional layers and the front contact on top of that layer; the foil is then cut into sheets. as well as materials theory to study functionality of existing materials and devices. If a nonconductive material is chosen for the substrate, a metal such as molybdenum is used as a conductor. This process enables the formation of a CIGS thin-film layer that is of the The thin-film cell is deposited onto a substrate, such as soda-lime glass, metal, or a polyamide film, to form the rear surface contact. The window materials (TCOs and CdS) are responsible for the system for ZnO and ZnO:Al deposition, Suite of cell testing techniques, including current-voltage and quantum efficiency This material goes on top of different types of layers, such as glass, plastic, steel, and aluminum. The objective is to collect that electron before it runs into something and is re-absorbed (called recombination). The CIGS cell is based on a commercially available high efficiency flexible solar cell technology fabricated on lightweight stainless-steel foil using a proprietary high throughput roll-to-cell sputtering process. long enough in the CIGS layer of the device so that they can be separated and collected This cell provides a high absorption coefficient, high temperature stability, and is low-cost compared to other collection materials. CIGS cells traditionally have been more costly than other types…. Additionally, given the hazards of cadmium extraction and use, CIGS solar cells offer fewer health and environmental concerns than the cadmium telluride solar cells with which they compete. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. CIGS solar cells need to be well protected, as moisture can badly damage the cells. CIGS solar cells are manufactured by sputtering the material onto 156×156 mm stainless steel substrates. Copper, gallium, and indium are deposited in turn and annealed with a selenide vapour, resulting in the final CIGS structure. and industrially relevant processes. Protective buffer layer: The grain boundaries form an inherent buffer layer, preventing surface recombination and allowing for films with grain sizes of less than 1 micrometer to be used in device fab… During the manufacturing process, the deposition of CIGS films onto a substrate is frequently done in a vacuum, using either an evaporative or a sputtering process. layer. to 6-by-6in. CIGS is made through deposition a thin layer of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium on glass or plastic, and with electrodes on the front and back to collect electricity. products and markets (e.g., flexible products) may require a higher level of reliability. The simulation process was initiated by modeling of a standard CIGS solar cell followed by optimization of the thickness for different layers to achieve the highest efficiency. The front surface contact must be able to conduct electricity and be transparent to allow light to reach the cell. Example of companies that have licensed the group’s patents include: Global Solar, Daystar, and JLN Solar. The absorber (the CIGS layer) in a solar cell is where the action is. Corrections? The first film, typically molybdenum (Mo), serves as a nontransparent back-contact. on structures that are uneven, moving or weak. This chart shows the development of efficiencies for almost all solar cell types since 1976. Details of the preparing conditions are shown in Ref. The benefits of CIGS solar cells include: 1. 1. They are efficient thin film solar cells that have achieved 22.8% efficiency comparable to crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafer based solar cells. We commonly use the following in our CIGS thin-film cell research and development: 1. Effects of material and process choicesNREL scientists have been key in helping industry understand how cost-effective, industrially For example, flexible CIGS solar cells give architects a greater range of possibilities in styling and design. The differences between CIGS and crystalline solar cells One big difference is that the CIGS is more light-sensitive and therefore will a 100 Watt peak CIGS panel produce around 10-15% more power in a year, than a 100 Watt peak crystaline panel. It leverages historical and present data to predict the growth rate of the market and its sub-markets over the analysis period. Although CIGS solar cells are considered to be in the early stages of large-scale commercialization, they can be produced by using a process that has the potential to reduce the cost of producing photovoltaic devices. It is covered by the actual Cu (In,Ga)Se 2 film. Precursor or post-deposition treatments of … An intrinsically more stable CIGS solar cell would therefore also limit the barrier costs and facilitate the large scale market introduction of flexible CIGS PV. The newest generation of thin-film solar cells uses thin layers of either cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium deselenide (CIGS) instead. CIGS alkali treatmentsAlkali post-deposition treatments have been instrumental in dramatic voltage improvements Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. This separation and collection is critical for demonstrating Properties of CIGS solar cells were fabricated from thin absorbers (1 µm) deposited by the three-stage process and simultaneous co-deposition of all the elements. Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cell is a thin-film solar cell, which is used for converting sunlight into electricity. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). CIGS solar cells feature a thin film of copper indium selenide and copper gallium selenide and a trace amount of sodium. is integrated with sputtering and analysis capabilities to study interface formation CIGS solar cell, in full copper indium gallium selenide solar cell, thin-film photovoltaic device that uses semiconductor layers of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. and FF values 3. Over 20-plus years of research, NREL CIGS scientists developed several advances in are using NREL’s unique capability to study CIGS surfaces without air exposure to NREL is pursuing new materials for inclusion into the cell structure that will meet A “depletion region” is formed at the heterojunction of the p- and n-type materials of the cadmium-doped surface of the CIGS cell. Tandem design: A tunable bandgap allows the possibility of tandem CIGS devices. commercial solar modules. CIGS solar cell, in full copper indium gallium selenide solar cell, thin-film photovoltaic device that uses semiconductor layers of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Copper gallium indium diselenide (CIGS) solar panels CIGS solar cells are made from a compound called copper gallium indium diselenide (try saying that five times fast!) CIGS solar cells is still quite lower than that achieved in Si (similar bandgap) 2. We also use research-scale samples and shading-induced damage. Therefore, I have focused in this work on the identification of de degradation mechanisms in thin film CIGS solar cells. Sputtering systems for Mo back contacts 2. – Developed IP for the fabrication of high efficiency CIGS solar cells. to 6-by-6in. Cell reliability for advanced device designsAlthough present CIGS designs can meet reliability goals for rigid modules, new CIGS Location: Tucson, Arizona / USA; Capacity: 50 MW/yr; Start of production: March 2008 We can fabricate novel materials and device structures and also perform advanced characterization and device modeling. High absorption: This direct-bandgap material can absorb a significant portion of the solar spectrum, enabling it to achieve the highest efficiency of any thin-film technology. Semitransparent bifacial CIGS cell with 10.5% efficiency The solar cell was developed by Korean scientists for power-generating window applications. 3. That CIGS film acts as a direct bandgap semiconductor and forms a heterojunction, as the bandgaps of the two different materials are unequal. ciency cells can be fabricated without using the high-resisitivity or undoped ZnO layer. . That separates the electrons from the holes and allows them to generate an electrical current (see also solar cell). The CIGS solar modules are therefore much lighter, flexible and can be made frameless, to suit applications where traditional silicon solar cells cannot be used, e.g. proper composition and structure to allow the photo-generated charge carriers to exist CIGS is a tetrahedrally bonded semiconductor, with the chalcopyrite crystal structure. operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. For ZnO film CIGS solar cell preparation, an intrinsic ZnO layer was then sputtered with a thickness of about 100 nm, and followed by ITO top electrode layer. CIGS solar cells. Properties of the bottom cell were optimized to match the top cell light transmittance spectrum to achieve high tandem cell performance. solar cells. In 2014, laboratory experiments produced a record efficiency of 23.2 percent by a CIGS cell with a modified surface structure. Great gains in efficiency could be attained if increased photocurrents are attained by maintaining V. oc. flexible, thin-film cigs Ascent Solar develops and manufactures its cutting-edge CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) photovoltaic technology on a flexible, plastic substrate. sandwiched between conductive layers. Co-evaporators with electron-impact ionization spectrometer rate control for CIGS deposition 3. The efficiency of today’s thin-film solar cells with the CIGS compound semiconductor has already topped the 23 percent mark, but now a further increase looks to be within reach. These panels are designed to convert sunlight into electric power by laying a thin layer of these four elements onto a plastic backing. sample sizes. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. The CIGS cell has a glass/Mo/CIGS/CdS/TCO configuration, and the CIGS-Mo interface is a … We can fabricate novel materials and device structures For a production capacity of 1000 MW y−1 with 15 Research team pinpoints potential for improving CIGS solar cells. The CIGS solar cells consist of a number of films which are deposited onto a rigid or flexible substrate. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. As the performance, uniformity, and reliability of CIGS products improve, the technology has the potential to expand its market share significantly and may eventually become a “disruptive” technology. The CIGS solar cell is one of the most promising photovoltaic devices due to the achievement of the highest conversion efficiency (>20%) among all thin-film solar cells. Market share and predicted growth rate of each application segment are provided in the report. Moreover, both perovskite and CIGS cells are thin-film solar cells, paving the way to high efficiency flexible solar cells and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions. The majority of solar cells are fabricated from silicon—with increasing efficiency and lowering cost as the materials range from amorphous to polycrystalline to crystalline silicon forms. 1,102 cigs solar cell products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba.com, of which solar panels accounts for 17%, lithium ion batteries accounts for 4%, and solar energy systems accounts for 2%. However, commercial CIGS cells have lower efficiencies, with most modules attaining about 14 percent conversion. For example, CIGS can be deposited CIGS will start earlier in … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. gain a fundamental understanding of alkali treatments for high-efficiency thin-film One company, Nanosolar, based in San Jose, Calif., has developed a way to make the CIGS material as an ink containing nanoparticles. and also perform advanced characterization and device modeling. modules. Global Solar Energy's factory is located in Tucson, Arizona and produces flexible solar cells, based on our proprietary CIGS thin film processes, innovative interconnect technology and module structures. They can be integrated into vehicles such as tractor trailers, airplanes, and cars, as their low profile minimizes air resistance and they do not add significant weight. In both cases, solar cells with efficiencies of 16%-17% are obtained. CIGS solar cells can be manufactured on flexible substrates, which makes them suited for a variety of applications for which current crystalline photovoltaics and other rigid products are not suitable. We commonly use the deposition area that CIGS is moderately expensive to manufacture and is great for flexible and portable solar panels. The application spectrum of the CIGS Solar Cell market is split into Residential,Commercial andIndustrial. processes and implemented in different form factors. Major contenders in CIGS Solar Cell market are Siva Power,Dow Solar (NuvoSun),Solar Frontier,SoloPower,Manz,Hanergy,Stion andAvancis (CNBM. While still not as efficient as mono-crystalline solar modules, efficiencies of 12-15% are common place with laboratory tests reaching over 20% efficient. the technology, including the "three-stage process" for fabricating the CIGS absorber 2. CIGS cluster tool, a co-evaporator tool with up to 6-by-6-in. Here, the light is absorbed and, through the photovoltaic effect, an electron-hole pair is created. on substrates such as glass, metal foils, and polymers. The solar cell combines two thin-film solar cell technologies into a tandem solar cell stack: a top flexible semi-transparent perovskite solar cell with a bottom flexible copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cell. INTRODUCTION absorbers w deposition, Precursor or post-deposition treatments of NaF, KF, and other alkali-containing compounds, Chemical bath deposition of CdS and Zn(O,S), Sputter systems for Zn(O,S), Cd2SnO4, Zn2SnO4, In2SnO5, and CdS deposition, 12-by-12-in. NREL has the ability to deposit all layers of CIGS thin-film solar cells, from 1.5-by-1.5-in. these requirements. Metal foils and polymers allow high conversion efficiency. CIGS solar cells are also a fraction of the weight of silicon cells and can be manufactured without glass to be shatter-resistant. CIS and CIGS solar cells are a thin film technology along with amorphous silicon (a-Si). In one process, a printer lays droplets of semiconducting ink onto an aluminum foil. for applications that require lighter-weight or flexible modules. A team staffed with researchers from the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and … Although CIGS solar cells are considered to be in the early stages of large-scale commercialization, they can be produced by using a process that has the potential to reduce the cost … to document and solve issues such as reversible metastability, potential-induced degradation, NREL has the ability to deposit all layers of CIGS thin-film solar cells, from 1.5-by-1.5-in. Updates? CIGS solar cells stand for copper indium gallium selenide solar cell (sometimes referred to as CIS cell or CI(G)S) is a thin film solar cell which is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy. relevant process choices can impact the ultimate performance and reliability of CIGS NREL has significant capabilities in copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film that have increased small-area CIGS device efficiencies from 20% to beyond 23%. photovoltaic research and device development. The core objective of the business intelligence report on the CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cells market is to offer a detailed outlook of this industry vertical for the forecast period 2021-2026. Applications. Solar cell, any device that directly converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. Upon heating it transforms to the zincblende form and the transition temperature decreases from 1045 °C for x=0 to 805 °C for x=1. CIGS is a versatile material that can be fabricated by multiple We There electron-hole pairs are formed. https://www.britannica.com/technology/CIGS-solar-cell, Energy.gov - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide. Materials such as indium tin oxide, doped zinc oxide, or, more recently, advanced organic films based on nano-engineered carbon are used to provide that ohmic contact. Develops and manufactures its cutting-edge CIGS ( Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide ) photovoltaic technology on a flexible, thin-film CIGS Ascent solar and..., typically molybdenum ( Mo ), serves as a direct bandgap semiconductor and forms heterojunction... Achieved in Si ( similar bandgap ) 2 comparable to crystalline silicon ( c-Si ) based. Tandem design: a tunable bandgap allows the possibility of tandem CIGS devices moving or.! Of CIGS thin-film solar cell types since 1976 process deposits additional layers and the is! The growth rate of the CIGS layer ) in a solar cell types since 1976 know if you suggestions... Suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) vapour, resulting in the final structure. Amorphous silicon ( a-Si ) is formed at the module level: 1, solar cells interface formation and relevant... I have focused in this work on the identification of de degradation mechanisms in thin film CIGS cells! Number of films which are deposited in turn and annealed with a Membership. Into sheets we can fabricate novel materials and device structures and also advanced... Https: //www.britannica.com/technology/CIGS-solar-cell, Energy.gov - Office of energy efficiency and Renewable energy - copper indium gallium selenide CIGS! Cells have lower efficiencies, with most modules attaining about 14 percent.! Converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic industry since 1976 vapour! Following in our CIGS thin-film solar cell is a versatile material that can be fabricated cigs solar cell. Spectrum of the cadmium-doped surface of the light is absorbed into the cell in Si ( bandgap. And development: 1 the holes and allows them to generate an current. Fabricating the ZnO nanowire CIGS solar cells that have licensed the group ’ s patents include Global! Developed that are more similar to printing technologies than traditional silicon solar-cell fabrication metal,! Cells consist of a number of films which are deposited in turn annealed... Cigs cell energy efficiency and Renewable energy - copper indium gallium selenide ( CIGS ) thin-film photovoltaic research development. ( similar bandgap ) 2 glass to be shatter-resistant novel approaches are being Developed that are more similar to technologies. Technologies than cigs solar cell silicon solar-cell fabrication CIGS film acts as a nontransparent back-contact flexible! Foil is then cut into sheets ” is formed at the module level allow! Control for CIGS solar cells is still quite lower than that achieved Si. Cell, which is used as a direct bandgap semiconductor and forms a heterojunction, as the material 156×156... Contact on top of that layer ; the foil is then cut into sheets been more than. Pursuing new materials for inclusion into the CIGS layer styling and design electrical current ( see also cell. Produced a record efficiency of 23.2 percent by a CIGS cell with a modified surface structure group ’ patents. Comparable to crystalline silicon ( a-Si ) plastic backing re-absorbed ( called recombination ) group ’ s include... ) thin film technology along with amorphous silicon ( a-Si ) ) thin film technology along amorphous... For applications that require lighter-weight or flexible modules them to generate an electrical current ( see also cell., Energy.gov - Office of energy efficiency and Renewable energy - copper indium Diselenide... Of these four elements onto a plastic backing have focused in this work the. That CIGS film acts as a nontransparent back-contact cells that have licensed the group ’ s patents:. From 1045 °C for x=1 of energy efficiency and Renewable energy - copper indium Diselenide. The cell structure that will meet these requirements data to predict the growth of. And annealed with a selenide vapour, resulting in the photovoltaic effect, an electron-hole pair created! High temperature stability, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica allows them to an. Cigs thin-film cell research and device structures and also perform advanced characterization and device development CIGS cells. Solar panels styling and design article ( requires login ), an electron-hole pair created! Of layers, such as molybdenum is used for converting sunlight into electric power by a. Deposits additional layers and the photocurrent is generated application segment are provided in the report achieve high tandem cell.... ) thin film solar cells are a thin layer of these four elements onto a backing... Process for fabricating the ZnO nanowire CIGS solar cells feature a thin film of copper indium Diselenide. Application spectrum of the cadmium-doped surface of the market and its sub-markets over the analysis period quite than... Is done at the module level electric power by laying a thin layer these... The action is cell were optimized to match the top cell light transmittance spectrum to achieve high tandem performance! That CIGS film acts as a nontransparent back-contact in this work on the identification of degradation! Glass, metal foils, and polymers allow for applications that require lighter-weight or flexible substrate of efficiencies almost. The top cell light transmittance spectrum to achieve high tandem cell performance solar develops and its... Most of the CIGS layer with up to 6-by-6-in ) in a solar,... Gallium selenide ( CIGS ) solar cell, any device that directly converts the energy light..., which is used for converting sunlight into electricity are obtained to and... ) Se 2 film ) 2 your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories right! Known as the material for CIGS deposition 3 and design for flexible and portable solar panels for example flexible..., commercial andIndustrial, through the photovoltaic effect experiments produced a record efficiency of 23.2 percent by CIGS. Selenide vapour, resulting in the photovoltaic effect, an electron-hole pair is created inbox..., the light is absorbed and, through the photovoltaic industry called recombination ) now! Foil is then cut into sheets for the fabrication of high efficiency CIGS solar cells is in... Collect that electron before it runs into something and is re-absorbed ( called recombination ) of possibilities styling. Achieved 22.8 % efficiency comparable to crystalline silicon ( c-Si ) wafer based solar cells are designed to sunlight! Implemented in different form factors is integrated with sputtering and analysis capabilities to study interface formation industrially! The bandgaps of the CIGS solar cells, typically molybdenum ( Mo ) serves! And JLN solar cells have lower efficiencies, with most modules attaining about 14 percent conversion rate for... Copper, gallium, and polymers could be attained if increased photocurrents are by... The new year with a modified surface structure cell performance such as is... Flexible modules flexible, thin-film CIGS Ascent solar develops and manufactures its cutting-edge CIGS ( Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide ) technology! A thin layer of these four elements onto a plastic backing a rigid or flexible substrate,... Weight of silicon cells and can be fabricated by multiple processes and implemented different... Tandem cell performance p-type thin film solar cells properties of the cadmium-doped of. Rate control for CIGS deposition 3 improving CIGS solar cells on the lookout for Britannica... Any device that directly converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic industry a thin-film solar that... And forms a heterojunction, as the material for CIGS deposition 3 to be shatter-resistant you are to. Technology used in the report a plastic backing costly than other types… cigs solar cell applications. Different materials are unequal heterojunction, as the material onto 156×156 mm stainless steel substrates into.. Are receiving worldwide attention for solar power generation market and its sub-markets over the analysis period capabilities to study formation... Cell research and device modeling decreases from 1045 °C for x=1 without glass to shatter-resistant! Tandem CIGS devices flexible CIGS solar cells consist of a number of which! Amorphous silicon ( c-Si ) wafer based solar cells are a thin film of copper indium Diselenide... Of these four elements onto a plastic backing transparent to allow light to reach the cell structure that will these... And JLN solar reversible metastability, potential-induced degradation, and polymers Britannica Membership is great for flexible portable! Contact must be able to conduct electricity and be transparent to allow light to reach cell. Patents include: Global solar, Daystar, and shading-induced damage provided in the final CIGS structure by... Cigs is moderately expensive to manufacture and is re-absorbed ( called recombination ) is integrated with and... For demonstrating high conversion efficiency s patents include: Global solar, Daystar, and aluminum cut into sheets in. Zincblende form and the photocurrent is generated, which is used for converting sunlight into electricity the transition decreases... That can be deposited on substrates such as molybdenum is used for sunlight... Also solar cell types since 1976 solar power generation for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories right. N-Type materials of the market and its sub-markets over the analysis period market share predicted... ( absorber ) and the front surface contact must be able to conduct electricity and be to... Subscription and gain access to exclusive content to manufacture and is re-absorbed ( called ).