Imagine a solar panel that works like a two-way mirror, catching sunlight from both the top and the bottom to squeeze more energy out of every ray. By making the active layer thinner and adding a special reflective back, these cells waste less material and capture more light. It's like upgrading from a standard light bulb to a high-efficiency LED, but for capturing the sun's power.
Current thin-film solar cells are limited by thick absorber layers and single-sided light capture, making them less efficient for specialized uses like vehicle roofs or greenhouses. There is also a heavy reliance on imported silicon wafers for the broader PV market.
A disruptive CIGS solar cell structure featuring bifaciality, back contact passivation, and reduced absorber thickness. The project delivers modules for flexible, semi-transparent, and tandem applications.
If you are a BIPV provider dealing with limited roof space and aesthetic requirements — this project developed semi-transparent and bifacial cells that increase yearly yield by harvesting stray light. This allows for energy generation integrated directly into windows or facades.
If you are an EV manufacturer dealing with the weight of heavy solar panels on car roofs — this project developed flexible and reflective thin-film modules. These lightweight cells use photon recycling to maintain high efficiency without adding significant bulk to the vehicle.
If you are an agri-PV integrator dealing with the need for sunlight to reach crops while generating power — this project developed semi-transparent CIGS cells. These modules allow specific light wavelengths to pass through to plants while pushing efficiency beyond 25%.
The project aims to lower costs by reducing raw material consumption through thinner absorber layers and shorter, well-controlled manufacturing processes. Based on available project data, a full life cycle analysis and costing are being performed to underline sustainability.
Yes, the project includes 5 European PV manufacturers and focuses on fast-feedback methods fit for industrial processes to close the gap between record cells and large-area modules.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project is developing a disruptive device structure for CIGS absorbers and back contact passivation.
The technology reinforces the European PV value chain because it does not depend on imports of ingots or wafers, unlike traditional silicon panels.
The project runs from 2023-10-01 to 2026-09-30, with outdoor testing in three different European climates to demonstrate stability and yield.
The consortium is highly industry-oriented, with a 50% industry ratio consisting of 8 companies, including 4 SMEs and 5 dedicated PV manufacturers. This strong commercial presence, combined with 8 research and university partners across 9 countries, suggests a direct pipeline from lab results to industrial manufacturing lines.
Contact the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (PT)
Contact us to connect with the Hi-BITS consortium for pilot testing opportunities.
