Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Friday, 4 October 2024 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT)
A team of scientists from the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in India has made a remarkable advancement in solar energy technology. They developed a new type of CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, and selenium) solar cell that boasts an unprecedented efficiency of 25.7%, the highest recorded for this category of panels. This breakthrough may signal a transformative shift in solar energy harvesting.
Innovative solar cell technology
The research team’s innovation involves the integration of tungsten disulfide (WS2) as a back surface field (BSF) layer in the CIGS solar cells. This development enhances the cells’ ability to convert solar energy into electricity efficiently. CIGS solar cells have long been seen as highly promising within thin-film photovoltaic technology, but this level of efficiency marks a significant milestone.
Potential impact on photovoltaics
The implications of this discovery could be profound for the photovoltaic landscape. By utilising WS2 as a back layer, the efficiency of CIGS solar cells is elevated, paving the way for new applications. Their flexibility means they can be incorporated into various surfaces, such as rooftops, building facades, or even portable electronic devices.
Moreover, the thin-film design of CIGS cells allows them to perform better in extreme temperatures, enhancing their usability in diverse climates. By minimising the reliance on scarce materials like indium and gallium, production costs may also decrease, potentially leading to wider adoption of solar technology.
If these cells move into mass production, they could fundamentally change the approach to solar energy, improving both efficiency and affordability.
