The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île de France (IPVF) have decided to collaborate for energy research. The objective of this Franco-German alliance is to develop the next generation of CIGS thin-film solar cells. They aim to work on this special variant of flexible photovoltaics featuring a semiconductor made of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS). The agreement’s initial term is five years.
The researchers’ collaborative effort is aimed at optimising the upcoming thin-film photovoltaic technology, boosting its efficiency and cutting costs. CIGS technology has achieved remarkable success of late. Cell efficiency has increased by 3.6 percentage points over the past five years. At 14-15 per cent, the CIGS thin-film solar modules sold today are challenging the silicon modules that dominate the market. The researchers’ agenda is to further exploit the potential of CIGS to strengthen and accelerate the deployment of photovoltaics in the energy transition.