
On January 17, the Swiss Federal Materials Science and Technology Laboratory, known as Empa, announced a major breakthrough in solar energy technology. Their flexible substrate-based CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) photovoltaic cells have achieved a remarkable conversion efficiency of 20.4%, setting a new global record.
This achievement has been officially verified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, which is one of the most respected institutions in renewable energy research. The new record surpasses the previous world standard of 20.3% for glass-based CIGS solar cells, marking a significant step forward in the field.
Ayodhya Tiwari, head of the Thin Film and Photovoltaic team at Empa, highlighted that this development brings the efficiency of CIGS thin-film solar cells closer to that of traditional polysilicon panels. "We are finally closing the gap between different types of solar technologies," he said, emphasizing the importance of this progress.
The improvement in efficiency is not just a small jump — it's a substantial leap. In May 2011, the same research group set a world record of 18.7%. Since then, they've made consistent advancements, with the latest result being a clear indication of their ongoing innovation and dedication to improving solar technology.
Empa also mentioned that they are now focusing on commercializing this breakthrough. They are working closely with Flisom AG, a Swiss startup specializing in flexible photovoltaic systems. This collaboration aims to bring the technology from the lab to real-world applications, making it more accessible and practical for consumers.
The research was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and various technological partners. As the world continues to seek sustainable energy solutions, this development represents a promising milestone in the evolution of solar power. With higher efficiency and greater flexibility, CIGS solar cells could soon play a key role in the future of clean energy.
Screw
Screw,Oval Head Screw,Countersunk Flat Head Screw,Flat Socket Cap Screw
Suzhou Guangxuan Fasteners Co.,Ltd. , https://www.beinuofastener.com