The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the Institut Photovoltaïque d'ÃŽle de France (IPVF) are joining forces to cooperate closely in energy research. The aim of this Franco-German alliance is to develop the next generation of CIGS thin-film solar cells. The partners re-cently signed the deal in Stuttgart to collaborate on this special variant of flexible photovoltaics featuring a semiconductor made of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS). The agreement's initial term is five years. 

This collaborative effort of Stuttgart and Paris researchers goes to op-timize the upcoming thin-film photovoltaic technology, boost its effi-ciency and cut costs. CIGS technology has achieved remarkable suc-cess of late. Cell efficiency has increased by 3.6 percentage points over the past five years. At 14 to 15 percent, CIGS thin-film solar mod-ules sold today are challenging the silicon modules that dominate the market. The researchers' agenda is to further exploit CIGS potential to further strengthen and accelerate the deployment of photovoltaics (PV) in the energy transition. To reach climate protection targets, increasing the efficiency of PV modules at low costs in a short term perspective is of key importance. 

Focus on flexible solar cells 

This joint effort is to focus on flexible solar cells and modules. The ob-jective is to gain a deeper understanding of the processes in the solar cell and then increase cell efficiency. New materials and material com-binations for flexible solar cells are also on the agenda, as is joint par-ticipation in research initiatives and an exchange program for the two institutes' researchers and doctoral students. 

The partners' complementary knowledge provides a solid foundation for this effort. ZSW is contributing many years of know-how in CIGS cell and module development on various substrates. The institute has achieved four CIGS world records. IPVF has long-time experience in CIGS solar cell innovative elaboration processes and architectures and is engaged in flexible CIGS solar cells. 

Prof. Michael Powalla ZSW board member and Head of the Photovol-taics division at ZSW, and Jean-Francois Minster, President of the IPVF, signed the statement of intent to cooperate on December 20th, 2017, at a joint event at ZSW in Stuttgart.

IPVF | www.ipvf.com

ZSW | www.zsw-bw.com