
329Photovoltaics
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characteristics of the three technologies. An NREL champion cell achieved an efciency
of 20%. CIGS technology utilizes less raw material than the other two technologies and,
therefore, achieves lower lm thicknesses. Moreover, CIGS lms have highlighted absorp-
tion capabilities. This technology appears to combine the highest solar conversion radia-
tion efciency with low manufacturing costs and the potential of being mass-produced
with exible substrates (see Figure 6.28).
The production of CIGS solar cells requires deposition of molybdenum, copper, indium,
gallium, selenide, cadmium sulde, ...