Uppsala University Shatters Solar Cell Efficiency Record

• Uppsala University breaks world record with 23.64% efficiency in CIGS solar cells, aiming for over 30% efficiency with reasonable production costs.

Uppsala University has set a new world record for electrical energy generation from copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells with an efficiency of 23.64%. The record was achieved through a collaboration between the university and First Solar European Technology Center. The results were independently verified and published in Nature Energy. The previous record was held by Solar Frontier in Japan at 23.35%.

Solar power accounted for just over 6% of global electricity in 2022, with the best solar modules converting more than 22% of sunlight to electric power. Researchers aim to achieve over 30% efficiency with reasonable production costs. The focus is on tandem solar cells, but they have been too costly for large-scale use. The CIGS solar cells consist of layers of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide, with additions of silver and sodium, to absorb sunlight efficiently and convert it into electricity. Advanced measurement methods have been used to analyze the solar cell structure and properties for further improvements in performance.

How did Uppsala University achieve a new world record for CIGS solar cell efficiency?

• Uppsala University achieved a new world record for CIGS solar cell efficiency with 23.64%
• The record was a result of collaboration between the university and First Solar European Technology Center
• The results were independently verified and published in Nature Energy
• The previous record was held by Solar Frontier in Japan at 23.35%
• Solar power accounted for just over 6% of global electricity in 2022
• Researchers aim to achieve over 30% efficiency with reasonable production costs
• Focus is on tandem solar cells, but they have been too costly for large-scale use
• CIGS solar cells consist of layers of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide, with additions of silver and sodium, to absorb sunlight efficiently and convert it into electricity
• Advanced measurement methods have been used to analyze the solar cell structure and properties for further improvements in performance.