Market Revolution by Indian Record Solar Cell?
A research team at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) has set a new record in thin-film photovoltaics with its recently developed solar cell. To achieve this, they used a new material that contains tungsten in addition to indium and gallium. As a result, the new CIGS solar cell achieves an efficiency that is almost as high as that of monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
New CIGS Solar Cell Produces 43% More Electricity
The new CIGS solar cell from the Indian research team boasts an efficiency of 25.7%. This means 25.7% of incident sunlight is converted into electricity, while the remainder dissipates or turns into heat. Currently available commercial CIGS solar modules typically have an efficiency of 15% to 18%. Consequently, a conventional solar system (18% efficiency) with an area of 10 square meters, under 1000 watts per square meter of solar radiation, would generate 1,800 watts. In contrast, the new Indian solar cell produces a remarkable 2,570 watts. That’s 770 watts more, representing approximately 43% more electricity! This value roughly corresponds to the additional power consumption of a small household appliance, such as a refrigerator or a large television, which could be operated additionally.
Advantage in Urban Areas
CIGS solar cells are flexible, lightweight, require minimal material, and can operate efficiently in low light conditions. This makes them well-suited for integration into buildings and for use in portable solar devices. They are thus more versatile than the monocrystalline silicon solar modules used in large-scale solar farms, which typically achieve efficiencies around 26%. At 25.7%, the new CIGS solar cell is very close to this performance, and its key advantage lies in increased power generation within a smaller footprint. Especially in urban areas with limited roof space, this could represent a decisive advantage.
New Standard for Building-Integrated Solar Cells?
The CIGS solar cell is named after the materials used in its construction: Copper (C), Indium (I), Gallium (G), and Selenium (S). Technically, a ‘W’ for Tungsten should now be added, as the new CIGS solar cell owes its enhanced efficiency to a back surface field layer made of tungsten disulfide (WS2). This also ensures that the solar cell is more heat-resistant and can therefore be used even under challenging climatic conditions. It is possible that the Indian researchers have developed the new standard for building-integrated solar cells. In this scenario, not only would an increase in demand for tungsten be expected, but also for the scarce technology metals indium and gallium.