Stion Corp of San Jose, CA, USA, which makes nanostructure-based CIGS (copper indium gallium sulphur-diselenide) thin-film photovoltaic panels, has produced a 23.2% efficiency thin-film cell based on its proprietary tandem junction technology. Stion has already scaled the technology at or above 20.0% efficiency on a prototype module (20cm x 20cm) and expects to soon scale to monolithic modules (65cm x 165cm) in the 20-22% efficiency range.
Picture: Stion’s tandem device has a high-bandgap top device and a low-bandgap bottom device (the same device as is used for Stion’s current Gen 1 panels) to deliver increased efficiency and light capture.
As a developer of tandem module technology, Stion claims to be first to demonstrate fully integrated thin-film devices at such high conversion efficiencies using scalable commercial processes. The firm aims to continue to implement the key technical innovations behind the 23.2% cell on its pilot-production line in San Jose, in preparation for the commercialization of thin-film modules with >20% efficiency.
“Achieving 23.2% cell efficiency and 20% mini-module efficiency on this state-of-the-art technology clearly demonstrates Stion’s commitment to technology differentiation and its deep IP portfolio,” says Howard Lee, chief technology officer, founder & senior VP of technology. “We expect the technology to keep improving with production experience,” he adds.
Stion says that its unique approach to CIGS leverages proprietary materials and device expertise along with a robust, high-volume manufacturing process based on readily available, standardized equipment.
