2004 R&D 100 Winner
Campers, soldiers, and homeowners are the benefactors of the lightweight, flexible, thin-film Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) modules, developed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo., and Global Solar Energy, Tucson, Ariz. The modules’ flexible stainless steel backing and CIGS formulation supports a 40% gain in conversion efficiency, nearly twice the power-to-weight ratio, and three times the power-to-volume ratio found in amorphous silicon-based cells.
Adding to its advantages is the self-repairing nature of the CIGS film due to the natural tendency of copper atoms in the film to spread into damaged areas. Physical vapor deposition is used to build up substrate layers with the final deposition attributed to a proprietary GSE roll-to-roll process. The end result is a smaller, lighter package at a similar cost per watt, with average power ranging from 5 to 56 W, depending on the application.
These qualities have sparked the interest of organizations such as the U.S. Army which have taken steps to integrate this technology into the field for use as a means of portable power for advance troops and transportable AC power. Consumer applications are already in place, with CIGS-based camping gear and roofing shingles being finalized for production.
Technology
Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide photovoltaic modules
Developers
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Global Solar Energy
