MiaSole reaches 15.7% CIGS modules efficiency

(ADPnews) - Dec 2, 2010 - US copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film panels maker MiaSole on Thursday said it had obtained confirmation of the 15.7% efficiency of its large-area solar modules by the US Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

In September, the company announced 14.3% efficiency. The new result represents the highest efficiency for a commercial scale CIGS module, according to the manufacturer, with the figure getting close to that of polycrystalline silicon modules. The improved efficiency brings CIGS technologies one step closer to DOE's goal of USD 1 (EUR 0.76) costs per watt for photovoltaic facilities, the company said.

Earlier, the company announced it would start shipping its 13%-efficiency modules during the second quarter of 2011, after it has finalised UL and IEC certification.

MiaSole's 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. The products are designed for utility-scale application.

The company's shipments for 2010 are projected to reach 22 MW.

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