Comparative study of the copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cell with other solar technologies†

Thin-film modules are emerging in the photovoltaic market, due to their competitive cost compared to the traditional crystalline silicon modules. The thin-film cells CuIn(1-x)GaxSe2 (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide - CIGS) are predominating the expansion in the photovoltaic market, due to the low temperature coefficient and the ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. A comparative study between photovoltaic technologies is conducted. Initially, comparisons are made among different photovoltaic modules based on theoretical data. To corroborate it, simulations are performed, using PSpice, based on the model 1M5P. To study light propagation through solar cells, 2D simulations are conducted in a Finite Element Tool, leading to an analysis of absorption and power flow. Experimental tests are carried out to analyze cell performance in a real environment. Optical filters are used to validate simulations. Although the knowledge of technologies is different, the results show the CIGS performance is increasingly closer to that of silicon cells.

Automated summary

Thin-film modules are becoming popular in the photovoltaic market due to their competitive cost compared to traditional crystalline silicon modules. Among them, CuIn(1-x)GaxSe2 (CIGS) cells are leading the expansion in the market due to their low temperature coefficient and ability to absorb UV and IR radiation. Comparative studies among different photovoltaic technologies, including theoretical comparisons, simulations, and experimental tests, show that CIGS performance is approaching that of silicon cells.