CIGS

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have set a new record 22.4% conversion efficiency for a tandem cell combining a lead-based perovskite layer with CIGS technology. The record has been confirmed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Turnkey PV equipment supplier, Midsummer has received a repeat order from an unidentified Asian customer for its thin film cell production equipment. On the back of strong demand, it adds that expansion is on the cards.

With capital projects CIGSfab and CIGSlab – according to the PV equipment provider – on schedule, Manz expects big follow-up orders from its Chinese customers as solar provided the highlight of the parent company’s first-half figures.

In the first half of the year, the PV equipment manufacturer recorded a significant increase in sales. This was largely due to orders from the solar industry.

Stability and reliability, partial transparency, monolithic deposition onto flexible substrates, aesthetically pleasing appearance, applicability in roll-to-roll production, superior temperature coefficient, potential in tandem applications, and suitability for BIPV: The list of advantages that CIGS technology offers is well established and lengthy.

The German thin film solar PV manufacturer has said it will restart production at its CIGS facility in South Korea. Annual production, scheduled for H1 2019, will be 100 MW.

Sales were particularly strong in the solar segment. Despite the considerable improvement, the German PV equipment provider still remains in debt.

Manz AG today reported a fire at its Taiwan production site. A spokesperson confirmed that its solar PV operations were not affected. No one was injured in the incident, although the amount of damage is still to be determined.

TÜV Rheinland has confirmed the efficiency record, achieved by the German subsidiary of Chinese thin film manufacturer, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group Limited.

Two of Europe’s leading research institutes, Germany’s Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden Württemberg (ZSW) and the Institut Photovoltaïque D’Île de France (IPVF) have announced plans to closely cooperate in researching concepts for flexible solar cells utilizing CIGS technology.