US-based GE Energy entered the CdTe thin-film solar cell industry in 2011. In January 2013, GE Energy developed a CdTe thin-film solar cell with conversion efficiency of 18.3%, surpassing the record efficiency from industry leader First Solar. However, within less than one month, First Solar announced the firm has successfully developed CdTe solar cells with conversion efficiency of 18.7%.
In the past, CdTe thin-film solar cells had lower conversion efficiency compared to CIGS thin-film solar cells. However, the difference is narrowing, Digitimes Research has observed. As GE and First Solar continue to aim for higher conversion efficiency for CdTe solar cells, the advantage of CIGS thin-film solar cells is likely to wane.
Source:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130411PD205.html
