May 4 2010
Photovoltaic system integrator Phoenix Solar AG has inked an agreement with copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels manufacturer MiaSole. Under the terms of agreement, which applies till 2013, MiaSole will initially supply Phoenix Solar with thin-film modules having 4.5 MWp capacity in Q2 of 2010.
The innovative manufacturing process of MiaSole applies various layers of selenium, gallium, indium and copper on metal foils. This substrate is separated into sections and then laminated using two hardened glass plates. This module can be utilized for ground-mounted systems and rooftops. The innovative manufacturing process facilitates the possibility of manufacturing almost any module shape.
Currently, the conversion efficiency of MiaSole’s module is 10.5%. Moreover, higher efficiency products are likely to be shipped by late 2010.
As per the terms of the agreement, a recycling warranty is also included, under which the customer can choose to give back the solar modules to MiaSole after it has served its lifetime to be reconditioned or recycled.