17 February 2011

Sulfurcell’s commercial CIGSe PV module confirmed at 12.6% efficiency

Sulfurcell of Berlin, Germany, which manufactures both sulfur-based CIGS and selenium-based CIGSe thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, says that product safety and quality certification firm TÜV Rheinland has confirmed the 12.6% efficiency of its full-scale (0.8m2) second-generation 94W module. The module will begin shipping to customers as soon as third-quarter 2011.

Founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the Helmholtz Centre for Materials and Energy (previously the Hahn-Meitner Institute), Sulfurcell has developed comprehensive solutions for the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), solar construction and commercial rooftop sectors. Since producing and shipping its first modules to customers in 2005, the firm has commercialized on a mass scale, employing 250 staff and ramping-up production capacity to 35MW. The firm is currently setting up a network of partner installers and integrators in North America.

“Sulfurcell has achieved momentum over the last year, with major supply agreements, financing, and now validation of our 12.6%-efficiency CIGS modules,” says CEO Dr Nikolaus Meyer.

In January, Sulfurcell raised €18.8m ($25m) in an equity financing round led by Intel Capital and joined by other existing investors Climate Change Capital Private Equity, Zouk Ventures, Bankinvest Group, Masdar Clean Tech Investments and Demeter (all of which had previously contributed to a €85m equity funding round in July 2008, which was used to construct the production facility and expand R&D). Sulfurcell’s long-term investors (since its first financing round in 2002) — led by the BEU fund — also contributed substantially, joined by Ventegis Capital AG, IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft and others. This latest funding is going towards the acquisition of additional CIGSe equipment and ongoing R&D work, targeting 14% efficiency in the next 12–18 months.

See related items:

Sulfurcell gains €18.8m for CIGSe PV module production expansion and launch

Tags: Sulfurcell CIGSe

Visit: www.sulfurcell.com

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