A new breakthrough in solar cell technology has been achieved by scientists at the Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt (Empa) in Switzerland. They have developed a flexible thin-film solar cell with a record-breaking efficiency of 21.4%. The solar cell is based on copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) semiconductors, which are printed onto a plastic substrate using a low-temperature evaporation method. The light-absorbing semiconductor material forms a thin film on the polymer foil, resulting in a highly efficient solar cell.
The new solar cell has several advantages over traditional rigid silicon solar cells. It is lightweight, flexible, and can be integrated into textiles and other flexible materials. The CIGS solar cell also has excellent durability and a high efficiency rate, making it suitable for use in portable electronics, vehicles, and greenhouses. The scientists at Empa are already working with industry partners to develop a roll-to-roll manufacturing process for the CIGS solar cell, which will enable its commercial use.
The high efficiency of the new solar cell was achieved through an optimization of the alkali doping and semiconductor layer, as well as a new process that exposes the CIGS solar cell to a combination of heat and light. This process further increases the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell, which remained stable for several months during testing. The new solar cell is a significant step forward in the development of flexible and efficient solar cells, which have the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.
