Comments on: CIGS Solar Cell Efficiency Gets A Tweak From Swiss Research Team

By: A Real Libertarian

A Real Libertarian — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 06:48:00 +0000

Don’t forget space probes.

By: UKGary

UKGary — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 10:42:00 +0000

You are right James, levelised cost of electricity is the important factor. Improving panel efficiency whilst controlling costs is a factor in achieving reduced cost of electricity.

Given the fact that a substantial proportion of installed cost comes from physical and administrative soft costs. it is not necessary for a more efficient panel to match the cost per watt of a less efficient one as many of the costs of installation relate to the number of panels / area of array irrespective of how efficient the panels are.

If a high efficiency panel costs $0.20 per watt more but saves $0.40 in soft costs, then the levelised cost is reduced. Likewise if a panel achieves better kWh per kW peak. at the same price through an improved temperature curve, or better capture of off angle light.

By: mds

mds — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 22:40:00 +0000

Nicely written explanation, thank you!

By: JamesWimberley

JamesWimberley — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 20:38:00 +0000

It’s all good news – but a mug’s game predicting the winners. It does look increasingly likely that the industry will break through the 20% barrier on a large scale in the coming decade. You can get 21% efficient mono panels today, but only at the very top end of the ordinary consumer market.

A slightly wonkish addition. Panel efficiency is defined as the percentage of the light energy falling on the panel at an optimum angle that is turned into current. But what of innovations that capture more light falling at wider angles, like Solar3D’s micro-grooves? They raise a different measure of efficiency, total power produced per day per unit area. Perhaps we should speak of “direct conversion efficiency” for the former and “daily power efficiency” for the latter. Am I reinventing the wheel here?