This achievement represents a significant milestone for thin-film technology, which offers high performance with lower production costs and greater flexibility in applications.
CIGS solar cells are known for their exceptional ability to absorb sunlight with a very thin layer, compared to traditional crystalline silicon cells. This microscopic structure means they can be deposited onto flexible materials such as glass, steel, or polymers, making them ideal for applications beyond conventional solar installations, such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or solar panels in cars and portable devices.
The recent improvement in the performance of CIGS cells resulted from advances in the composition and microstructure of the cells, as well as adjustments to the materials used in intermediate and protective layers. The outcome is reduced energy losses and enhanced stability, making the new cells even more efficient and reliable under long-term use conditions.
This record brings CIGS cells closer to becoming a serious competitor to traditional silicon technologies, which currently dominate the photovoltaic market. While crystalline silicon cells offer high efficiency (with the best models reaching 26-27% under laboratory conditions), CIGS cells excel in flexibility, low material costs, and the ability to be installed on lightweight and curved surfaces.
This development is expected to lead to faster adoption of CIGS solar cells in commercial applications, improving performance and reducing the cost of solar energy production. Thin-film technology strengthens its position as a viable and efficient alternative for renewable energy production, bringing the world one step closer to a green energy transition.
Source: Interesting Engineering
