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CIGS: the next big thing in solar?

By Lawrence B. Ebert, Esq.

Technology involving photovoltaics comprising copper indium gallium diselenide [CIGS] was hyped in WIRED.

For one patent, note US 7,306,823 [Nanosolar], issued on 11 Dec. 07, with first claim-->

A method for fabricating coated nanoparticles, comprising the steps of: obtaining core nanoparticles containing one or more elements from group IB and/or IIIA and/or VIA and coating the core nanoparticles with one or more layers of metal from group IB, IIIA or an element from group VIA in a controlled fashion such that the resulting coated nanoparticles have a desired stoichiometric ratio of elements, wherein the core nanoparticles contain copper.

Wired wrote:

If Gronet and his team [at Solyndra] can work out the manufacturing challenges and navigate the difficult financial waters, their unique design and tightly focused business model could lead them to profitability, even after government subsidies in Europe phase out.

"In any unsubisidized world, which is a few years down the road, you need a cost structure that allows you to compete," Gronet said. "Our panel, because it's CIGS and thin film, will beat the costs of any silicon system."

Full post as published by IPBiz on October 07, 2008 (boomark / email).