Hanergy Thin Film Power Group has announced that Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, a German based solar energy testing laboratory and one of the world’s leading renewable energy research authorities, has rated Hanergy’s US-based subsidiary Miasole’s large area flexible CIGS module as the world’s most efficient.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has independently confirmed a 17.44 percent aperture area efficiency on a commercial size flexible PV module (aperture area 1.08m2). This achievement was recognized as a new certified record large area CIGS module in the latest Progress in Photovoltaics compendium of PV records (Prog Photovolt Res Appl. 2019;27:565–575)
The cells and record module were made using the MiaSolé production lines in Santa Clara, CA. MiaSolé’s cell manufacturing process deposits CIGS on a flexible substrate using high speed physical vapor deposition (PVD) that produces high efficiency solar cells in a continuous and high throughput process.
“This achievement is the result of our targeted focus in research and development to increase conversion efficiency and to provide durable, high power, flexible and lightweight products,” said Atiye Bayman, CTO of MiaSolé. “We will continue to lead the industry by providing innovative and powerful products that enable new applications for solar power.”
MiaSolé’s proprietary PV technology is creating new and compelling opportunities for their customers by bringing high efficiencies to flexible and lightweight applications. Companies in the building, vehicle, and mobile PV markets that were previously unable to realize the potential of solar, can now explore new and innovative applications for high efficiency, flexible solar panels.