Manufacturing and application of CIS solar modules

The pilot production of Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 (CIS) modules at Wurth Solar has progressed steadily, and the pilot line could be transferred successfully into a continuous operation reaching maximum capacity in 2005 of 1.5 MWp. Best modules on the standard size of 60 cm x 120 cm reached 85 W-p, which corresponds to 13% aperture area efficiency. The average module efficiency has been steadily improved reaching values between 11% and 12% in the year 2005. The overall process yield of the pilot line could be increased and stabilised at high values well above 80%. In April 2005 the Wurth Group has decided to invest in a new production line with a starting capacity of 15 MWp/a. This capacity will be available at the end of 2006. The new building at the new location in Schwabisch Hall/Germany will be ready in mid 2006. The long-time reliability of Wurth Solar CIS modules could be proven by passing successfully the certified test according to EN61646 and by stable operation in the field for several years. Additionally, outdoor results with CIS modules in various applications show high energy ratings which are at least as good as the best c-Si systems. Furthermore, various CIS module types have been developed for building integration and other applications. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V All fights reserved.