What are CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) Thin Film Solar Cells? Are These Available Commercially Today?

 

This question is part of the Super Big Solar Panel FAQ from Solar Mango, where expert answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels are provided.

 

A Copper Indium Gallium Selenide solar cell (or CIGS cell, sometimes CI(G)S or CIS cell) is a thin film solar cell used to convert sunlight into electric power.

They are manufactured by depositing a thin layer of copper, indium, gallium and selenide on glass or plastic backing, along with electrodes on the front and back to collect current. Because the material has a high absorption coefficient and strongly absorbs sunlight, a much thinner film is required than of other semiconductor materials.

Super Big Solar Panel FAQGet to know answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels from here.

 

Within the thin film solar cell sector, as of 2016, there are mainly two technologies that compete – CIGS/CIS and CdTe. While the main proponent of CdTe is the US based First Solar, the prominent company that makes CIGS cells is Japan-based Solar Frontier.

And yes, CIGS/CIS cells are commercially deployed and in over 1 GW of installations worldwide.

Source: CIGS Solar Module from Solar Mango’s Solar Dictionary

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