The new 15.7 % module efficiency has been achieved off the back of the previously announced milestone of 14.3% achieved in September 2010. According to MiaSolé, "this is the highest efficiency demonstrated for commercial size thin-film modules and effectively closes the gap with polycrystalline silicon module efficiencies”.
"This is a significant accomplishment as it represents the ability to manufacture full scale CIGS modules with efficiencies equal to or better than that of polycrystalline silicon modules available in the world today but manufactured at a thin-film cost structure. We are pleased that we are executing ahead of our roadmap for efficiency improvements and feel confident in our ability to bring high efficiency CIGS technology to the market place,” said Dr. Joseph Laia, CEO of MiaSolé.
MiaSolé has previously announced that it would start shipping its 13% efficiency modules in the second quarter of 2011 upon completion of UL and IEC certifications.
“This is a very exciting result, especially when it comes so soon after the previous 14.3% achievement from last September,” NREL solar researcher Dr. Rommel Noufi said. “An almost 1.5% absolute increase in efficiency in such a short time on a continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing line is impressive and demonstrates good process control and a validation of the MiaSolé approach.” This achievement significantly narrows the efficiency gap between manufacturing performance and cells produced in the laboratory (20.3%), Dr. Noufi pointed out. It also moves CIGS technology well on its way to achieving DOE’s target of $1 per Wp photovoltaic systems, he said.
Reaching parity with silicon
MiaSolé now offers bank financeable solar modules with efficiency comparable to polysilicon combined with the lower manufacturing costs of thin-film modules.
MiaSolé's unique manufacturing process deposits CIGS on a flexible stainless steel substrate and produces all of the layers required for its highly efficient solar cell in a single continuous process. MiaSolé is the only thin-film solar company that uses sputtering processes in every step of the coating process of the solar modules, thereby reducing manufacturing time and cost of production.
MiaSolé will ship 22 MW in 2010. The company's products are designed for utilities and independent power producers to use in industrial scale deployments such as large-scale rooftop and ground mount installations.
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