News Article
Sulfurcell Commercial CIGSe Module Achieves 12.6% Efficiency
With the acquisition of additional CIGSe equipment and ongoing R&D work, the firm is targeting 14% efficiency within the next 12 to 18 months.
Sulfurcell, a producer of CIGS/CIGSe thin-film solar modules has announced TÜV Rheinland, a provider of product safety and quality certification, has confirmed the 12.6% efficiency of the company’s full-scale 0.8m2 94W thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module.
The high efficiency modulethin-film solar module modules will begin shipping to customers in Q3 of 2011.
Since producing and shipping its first modules to customers in 2005, Sulfurcell has successfully commercialised on a mass scale, ramping-up its production capacity to 35 MW. Sulfurcell distinguishes itself by developing comprehensive solutions for the BIPV, solar construction and commercial rooftop sectors. The company is currently setting up a network of partner installers and integrators in North America.
“We are delighted Sulfurcell has achieved such momentum over the last year, with major supply agreements, financing, and now validation of our 12.6% efficiency CIGS modules,” said Nikolaus Meyer, CEO of Sulfurcell. “With our high-efficiency modules hitting the market in a matter of months, we imagine 2011 will be another year of continued success for Sulfurcell.”
Sulfurcell announced €18.8m in equity financing from existing investors in January 2011. The funds will go towards the acquisition of additional CIGSe equipment and ongoing R&D work targeting 14% efficiency within the next 12 to 18 months.
In 2001, Sulfurcell was founded as a spin-off from the Helmholtz Centre for Materials and Energy, previously known as the Hahn-Meitner Institute. The company’s 250 employees develop, manufacture and sell both Sulfur-based CIGS and Selenium-based CIGSe products.
