Midsummer, a leading Swedish provider of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) equipment, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking high-speed process for manufacturing CIGS solar cells using sputtering technology. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the efficiency and sustainability of thin-film solar production. Just days ago, Midsummer successfully boosted the effective area of its 225 cm² solar cells to 15%, demonstrating the potential of this new method.
The company emphasizes that sputtering technology is integrated into every stage of the CIGS production process. This not only reduces the overall production time but also eliminates the need for cadmium—a toxic material commonly used in traditional CIGS cells. By removing cadmium from the equation, Midsummer is helping to improve both the environmental impact and the energy conversion efficiency of its solar cells.
What sets Midsummer’s approach apart is that the entire process is conducted in a dry, fully vacuum environment, which simplifies the manufacturing setup and lowers the requirements for cleanroom conditions. This makes the technology more accessible and cost-effective for wider adoption.
Sven Lindström, CEO of Midsummer, expressed his confidence in the future of thin-film flexible solar modules: “The majority of photovoltaic experts believe that thin-film flexible solar modules are the future of solar energy—and I strongly agree with this.â€
He added, “Our unique process not only shortens the production cycle of solar cells but also enhances their performance and boosts their commercial appeal.†To validate the effectiveness of their technology, Midsummer has developed a series of cadmium-free CIGS cells covering a total area of 225 square meters, achieving an effective area efficiency of 15.0%.
By leveraging Midsummer’s advanced sputtering process, photovoltaic cells can now be produced on stainless steel substrates, making them ideal for flexible and lightweight applications. These panels do not contain cadmium in the buffer layer, further reinforcing their eco-friendly credentials.
Cadmium is known to be highly toxic, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, including cancer. By eliminating cadmium from the entire production process, Midsummer is not only protecting workers’ health but also paving the way for broader acceptance of thin-film CIGS technology in the market.
With sputtering technology significantly boosting production speed and efficiency, Midsummer has launched a dedicated production line for flexible thin-film CIGS solar cells. While these cells resemble conventional crystalline silicon panels in appearance, they are manufactured on a stainless steel base, offering greater versatility.
This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications beyond standard solar panels—such as waterproof roofs, landfills, and other structures where traditional glass-based panels are impractical. The flexibility and lightweight nature of these cells open up new possibilities for solar integration in diverse environments.
Overall, Midsummer’s innovative approach is redefining what’s possible in the thin-film solar industry, combining efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability in one powerful solution.
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