- News
2 February 2012
CIGS PV firm MiaSolé hits 17.3% efficiency with champion module; 14% now in production
MiaSolé of Santa Clara, CA, USA, which was founded in 2001 to make copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic panels, says that it has achieved a solar energy conversion efficiency of 17.3% for a champion device, while its manufacturing process for 14% efficiency is now in production. These latest achievements are ahead of schedule, and represent an increase of more than 30% in efficiency from this time a year ago.
“The progress in efficiency gains we’ve repeatedly demonstrated are further proof that we’re aggressively moving toward a cost structure that is competitive with top-tier global solar manufacturers,” reckons CEO John Carrington.
MiaSolé says that, with increased manufacturing efficiency and investment in R&D, it has been able to unlock the vast potential for CIGS thin-film in the solar industry. To date, the firm has shipped more than 55MW, with its panels being used for a wide range of projects globally, in North America, Europe and Asia. The panels have been selected for a range of segments, from utility-scale fields to rooftops, and unique applications such as electric vehicle recharging stations.
“Our ability to deliver 14% in production, with the capability to achieve efficiency up to 17%, further emphasizes the progress we are continuously making against our roadmap,” says Carrington. “Our ultimate goal is to continue scaling innovation and deliver the lowest levelized cost of electricity.”