By: P.Gečys, G. Račiukaitis, M.Gedvilas, A. Braun, S. Ragnow
Laboratory for Applied Research, Center for Physical Science and Technology, Lithuania
Solarion AG, Germany
Low material consumption, the possibility of deposition on large areas, use of cheap and flexible substrates make the thin-film photovoltaic elements the most promising technology to achieve a significant cost reduction in solar electricity. Interest in complex multilayered CuInxGa(1-x)Se2 solar cells has increased recently because of low production costs and scalability through a roll-to-roll process. CIGS has been established as the most efficient thin-film technology in converting sunlight into electricity with the theoretical limit as high as 27% and a record value of 20.2% achieved in laboratory. Flexible CIGS solar cells have several advantages compared to those fabricated on glass substrates. Their power to weight ratio as well as excellent resistance to radiation make them ideal candidates for space use and building-integrated applications beyond the capability of rigid, heavier PV products.