The company based in Blaubeuren (Germany) achieved this efficiency rate using a process that can be implemented for mass production and therefore, expects efficiencies of up to 12% for its turnkey lines for industrial manufacturing of 1.5 square metre thin-film modules.
"The efficiencies for thin-film modules already achieved in laboratories demonstrate the potentials this technology holds. The challenge, however, is to make the leap from laboratory to mass production," explained Dr. Peter Fath, CTO of centrotherm photovoltaics. "Our advantage in CIGS technology lies in simple and robust process management, and selection process steps that can be transferred easily from small areas to larger ones."
As a result, the technology equipment provider for the production of solar silicon, crystalline solar cells and CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) thin-film modules is pursuing its corporate goal of cutting costs per watt peak in its thin-film division too. The company is advancing highly efficient CIGS thin-film technology because this enables it to offer its customers the highest efficiencies currently available, while also achieving low production costs. In addition, compared with other manufacturing technologies, the new CIGS module manufacturing process does not require the use of toxic process gases.
The centrotherm photovoltaics Group has its own thin-film research and development laboratory in Blaubeuren, where a complete CIGS pilot production plant for 0.1 square metre thin-film modules has been in operation since 2008.
The photovoltaics experts from Blaubeuren are now using 1.5 square metre modules in the thin-film area because these offer optimal production and assembly costs at the targeted efficiencies, thereby enabling customers to achieve competitive production conditions over the longer term. The modules, which are constructed as glass-glass sandwiches, are produced on the basis of a patented two-step process. In the first step, the metallic films are removed in sputtering plants. Conversion to the CIGS crystal phase occurs in a second, thermal step. This process management makes a significant contribution to efficient manufacturing that is accompanied by low production costs and high efficiencies at the same time. "The success of our division, which is still in its infancy, shows that we are on the right path with our research and development investments, and the expansion of this area," Fath went on to comment.
The first turnkey CIGS production line with an annual capacity of more than 30 MW is currently being commissioned and ramped up at an Asian customer. With an area of 1.5 square metres, the intention is that, by 2009, this will be the first and, to date, largest CIGS module to be manufactured on a mass production basis.
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