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Midsummer, a leading Swedish provider of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) equipment, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking high-speed production process for CIGS solar cells using sputtering technology. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the efficiency and sustainability of thin-film solar cell manufacturing. Just last week, Midsummer achieved a record 15% efficiency on a 225 cm² solar cell, demonstrating the potential of this advanced technique.
The company emphasizes that sputtering is integrated into every stage of the CIGS production process. This not only accelerates the overall manufacturing cycle but also eliminates the need for cadmium, a toxic material commonly used in traditional CIGS cells. By removing cadmium from the process, Midsummer is not only improving the environmental profile of its products but also boosting the conversion efficiency of the cells.
Moreover, the entire production process is conducted in a dry and fully vacuum environment, which reduces the need for stringent cleanroom conditions. This makes the technology more scalable and cost-effective for large-scale manufacturing.
Sven Lindström, CEO of Midsummer, expressed his confidence in the future of thin-film flexible solar modules. "The majority of photovoltaic experts believe that thin-film flexible solar modules represent the future of solar energy, and I strongly agree with that vision," he said.
He further highlighted that Midsummer's proprietary process not only shortens the production timeline but also enhances battery performance, making it more commercially viable. To validate the technology, the company has produced a 225 square meter batch of cadmium-free CIGS cells, achieving an effective area efficiency of 15.0%.
By leveraging Midsummer’s innovative production method, photovoltaic cells can now be manufactured on stainless steel substrates, enabling the creation of flexible and lightweight panels. These panels are ideal for applications where traditional glass-based solar panels are impractical, such as waterproof roofs, landfills, or other unconventional structures.
Unlike conventional CIGS cells, Midsummer’s process avoids the use of cadmium entirely, particularly in the buffer layer. Cadmium is known to be highly toxic, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, including cancer. By eliminating this hazardous material, Midsummer ensures a safer working environment and promotes the broader adoption of thin-film CIGS technology.
With sputtering technology significantly increasing production speed and efficiency, Midsummer has already launched a production line dedicated to flexible thin-film CIGS solar cells. These cells may resemble crystalline silicon panels in appearance but are built on stainless steel substrates, offering greater versatility and adaptability for various installation scenarios.
This development represents a major milestone in the evolution of renewable energy solutions, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient solar technologies.