Process Development for CIGS Based Thin Film Photovoltaics Modules, Phase II Technical Report
As a technology partner with NREL, Global Solar Energy (GSE) has initiated an extensive and systematic plan to accelerate the commercialization of thin-film photovoltaics (PV) based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). The distinguishing feature of the GSE manufacturing process is the exclusive use of lightweight, flexible substrates. GSE has developed the technology to fabricate CIGS photovoltaics on both stainless-steel and polymer substrates. CIGS deposited on flexible substrates can be fabricated into either flexible or rigid modules. Low-cost, rigid PV panels for remote power, bulk/utility, telecommunication, and rooftop applications have been produced by affixing the flexible substrate to an inexpensive rigid panel by lamination or adhesive. Stainless-steel-based PV modules are fabricated by a novel interconnect method that avoids the use of wires or foils and soldered connections. In the case of polymer-based PV modules, the continuous roll is not sectioned into individual panels until the module buss and power leads are attached. Roll-to-roll vacuum deposition has several advantages that translate directly to reduced capital costs, greater productivity, improved yield, greater reliability, lower maintenance, and a larger volume of PV material. In combination with roll-to-roll processing, GSE has developed evaporation deposition operations that enable low-cost and high-efficiency CIGS modules. The CIGS deposition process relies heavily on effusion source technology developed at GSE, and solving numerous problems was an integral part of the source development effort. Cell interconnection for thin-film CIGS modules on a polyimide substrate presents a considerable challenge.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 772436
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR-520-29227; TRN: AH200105%%128
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 9 Nov 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Process Development for CIGS-Based Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules; Phase I Technical Report, 5 February 1998--4 February 1999
Photovoltaic Manufacturing Cost and Throughput Improvements for Thin-Film CIGS-Based Modules; Phase II Annual Subcontract Technical Report, July 1999 - August 2000
Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
SOLAR ENERGY
THIN FILMS
CAPITALIZED COST
DIFFUSION
COMMERCIALIZATION
SUBSTRATES
POLYMERS
PHOTOVOLTAICS
COPPER
INDIUM GALLIUM DISELENIDE (CIGS)
LIGHTWEIGHT AND FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATES
STAINLESS-STEEL SUBSTRATES
POLYMER SUBSTRATES
THIN FILM
RIGID PV PANELS
ROLL-TO-ROLL PROCESSING
EVAPORATION DEPOSITION
CIGS MODULES