Russian researchers slash costs by printing CIGS solar cells
Recent reports from the press service of the Northwest Thermal Center indicate a breakthrough in the production of CIGS solar cells. A team of Russian scientists has achieved a substantial reduction in manufacturing expenses for this type of thin film photovoltaic technology.
Compared to traditional silicon solar cells, CIGS cells use a material known as gallium indium copper diselenide and are built as a very thin film, roughly a hundred times thinner than silicon wafers. This design allows the cells to harvest light more efficiently under shade or diffused lighting conditions, a useful trait for real-world rooftops and urban environments. However, manufacturing challenges have long limited large-scale deployment due to the complexity of the deposition process involved, which typically relies on magnetron sputtering technology.
To tackle this hurdle, researchers from NanoInk, a startup connected to the Flexlab group, developed a printing approach for creating CIGS solar modules. The shift from spraying to printing cuts the production cost of CIGS modules from about 0.70 to 0.33 per watt, according to Lev Logunov, the scientific director leading the initiative. The new method enables the formation of solar panels with stable electrical properties in flexible formats and shapes. Nanocomposite inks are at the core of this technology, which also opens the possibility of manufacturing on roll-to-roll lines capable of producing wide flexible sheets several meters in width. This breakthrough points to greater adaptability for diverse applications and easier integration into curved or irregular surfaces. (Source: NWTC press service)
Looking ahead, the teams expect to have a prototype device featuring an integrated, printed battery using this technology ready for demonstration in 2023. The progress not only signals cost reductions but also increased versatility for solar deployments in residential, commercial, and portable energy solutions. (Source: NanoInk and Flexlab communications)
As the field advances, experts emphasize that continued refinement of ink formulations and printing processes will be essential to maximize efficiency, longevity, and performance across a range of environmental conditions. The shift toward printable, flexible CIGS modules may well broaden the boundaries of where solar energy can be effectively harnessed, from building facades to portable power systems and beyond. (Source: Flexlab consortium briefings)