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New concepts for high efficiency and low cost in-line manufactured flexible CIGS solar cells

Objective

The Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) on glass technology is already heading towards industrial maturity, but to meet the production cost target of below 0.6 €/Wp in mid-term and below 0.4 €/Wp in long-term, development of highly efficient flexible modules is an attractive option. The ultimate advantage of thin-film technology is the possibility of monolithically connected flexible modules produced with high speed roll-to-roll manufacturing systems. Partners of this proposal have already demonstrated a record efficiency of 14.1% for cells on polyimide and >15% efficiency cells on metal foil using “static deposition” processes. However, transfer of “static deposition” process to “in-line deposition” on moving substrates brings additional challenges for control of layer composition and interfaces. Choice of appropriate substrate and deposition processes to overcome problems of thermal mismatch-related stress are important for high performance and monolithic cell interconnection. The main goal of the project is to develop innovative flexible substrates and deposition processes suitable for the in-line and/or roll-to-roll production of highly efficient solar modules using thinner (< 1 micron) CIGS absorbers and with potential for production costs below 0.6 €/Wp in future. The objective will be achived by developing novel concepts in growth of “high quality” layers and interfaces for efficiency improvement, aiming a new world record efficiency of 16% on polyimide and low-cost metal (mild steel and Al-based) foils. Also, the implementation of in-line compatible buffer, improvements in interconnect technologies and application of multifunctional top layer will lead to an advancement towards roll-to-roll manufacturability of integrated solar modules. This project will help research institutions to maintain a Global lead in CIGS field and will enable the European industries to implement the research excellence in industrial production of low cost flexible CIGS solar modules in future.

Call for proposal

FP7-ENERGY-2009-1
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

ZENTRUM FUR SONNENENERGIE- UND WASSERSTOFF-FORSCHUNG BADEN-WURTTEMBERG
EU contribution
€ 949 120,00
Address
MEITNERSTRASSE 1
70563 Stuttgart
Germany

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart Stuttgart, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
Friedel Oster (Dr.)
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (8)