The solar technologies race: thin-film photovoltaics are catching up

ZSW and HZB present current data – with new    opportunities for Europe’s solar industry

The overwhelming majority of photovoltaic installations world wide are equipped with solar cells made of crystalline silicon. Thanks to huge progress in CIGS-thin-film technologies this could change in the future, according to an analysis by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien and Energy (HZB) along with their international partners. This could open up major opportunities for the solar industry in Europe, the experts report in their whitepaper, published at www.cigs-pv.net.

Progress in copper-indium-gallium-sulfide (CIGS) thin-film technology is making this possible: the most advanced alternative to silicon with the highest efficiency is becoming increasingly efficient and cost-effective. In addition, CIGS’ higher yield for weak lighting conditions and shadow as well as visually attractive installation options are advantageous.

The numbers are impressive: 52 gigawatts of new solar power capacity were installed world wide in 2015 – a new record. In total, the global installed capacity amounts to at least 220 gigawatts. Annual demand is expected to reach more than 100 gigawatts in the coming years and excess capacity will diminish. That will soon make new solar cell factories necessary.

Efficiency levels and costs are approaching those of silicon PV

With an overwhelming market share of over 90%, crystalline silicon PV still remains the top dog of photovoltaic technologies. But progress in thin-film photovoltaics based on CIGS has been noticeable. With the appearance of comprehensive turn-key production facilities for mass production at gigawatt scales, current records are tumbling.

And while polycrystalline silicon cells attain efficiency levels of 21,3 per cent, CIGS solar cells have in the meantime already reached 22.3 per cent. The efficiency of modules is still slightly better for silicon PV, but both technologies are nearly equal at 15-17 per cent. Meanwhile, pro-duction costs of the CIGS modules have since fallen to the level of silicon technology – 40 cents US per watt.

Since production capacity of the youthful thin-film PV tech is still not as high as its mature competitor, considerably improved numbers could be expected following expansion of its production. Efficiency levels of 18 per cent or more as well as costs of about 25 cents US per watt are attainable for CIGS PV factories with an annual capacity of 500-1000 megawatts, according to ZSW and HZB. Competitive costs are reached even at comparatively low production volumes, in contrast to silicon PV. This means considerably lower initial capital expenditures for investors.

Competition to polycrystalline silicon modules is becoming stiffer

Moreover, thin-film technology possesses engineering advantages: the modules are lighter and deliver high yields under weak lighting conditions. The lower energy and materials consumption during manufacture results in a shorter period of time for an installation to produce the energy its manufacture consumed (the amortisation or payback period) because less energy is used in manufacturing the modules. The higher shadow tolerance is also a positive feature for installation owners. And because the modules appear visually homogenous, they can be integrated in a more attractive manner on roofs or façades of homes. Flexible and configurable versions are also being developed that can score points with the high efficiency of CIGS.

“Solar power modules based on silicon will still own the major share of the market for a while yet”, says ZSW director Dr. Michael Powalla. “The prospects for CIGS thin-film photovoltaics have recently risen again though.” Now would be an opportunity particularly for module manufacturers and for facilities and mechanical engineering firms in Germany and Europe.

The new information has been compiled by Michael Powalla and his colleague Dr. Rutger Schlatmann from the HZB together with 25 other experts from all over the world and published as a white paper. The comprehensive four-page English document is available for download at www.cigs-pv.net.