The ultimate goal for a solar panel is to reach grid parity. In order to achieve this goal all the players in thesolar PV value chain have to do their part to lower the total system cost. The common view is that solar cell manufacturers play a critical role in achieving this goal. All the cost savings, design changes and performance improvements that a solar cell manufacturer can achieve has a multiplying effect across the value chain. This is a true statement, but the key enabling factors for all these improvements are advanced manufacturing and assembly materials.
One such example is a CIG Target for manufacturing of CIGS solar cells. Sputtering as we all know is a high throughput and high precision process. But this process requires the availability of high quality CIG target. A CIG target not only needs to be dimensionally accurate and highly dense but also needs to have homogeneous composition and grain sizes throughout. Moreover, adding to this complexity all the phases need to be tightly controlled inorder to obtain uniform sputtering. Innovations in hybrid consolidation processes have enabled high volume production of CIG sputtering targets bringing CIGS solarcells close to commercialization.
TechGuy:
Sputtering is neither high throughput or high precision.
Fezan Sayed:
It’s a valid comment but I ll say “it depends”.
SputterGuy:
Can you explain more what “hybrid consolidation process” means?
Are these targets cast or thermally sprayed? I hear casting provides less oxidation and greater material utilization, but I don’t get how you can cast onto a cylindrical tube. Thermal spray seems like a great waste of material especially when using indium.
Fezan Sayed:
Thank you for the interest in this topic. I agree with your comments. Low level of oxygen, correct phases, homogeneity in composition and phases, high density, high bond strength … all these are important characteristics for a high performance CIG alloy target. We consider our process to be unique and proprietary. If you are exploring sputtering as a process to manufacture solar cells, we would be glad to support you.
Bob:
Dear Sir:
Can provide me CIGS round Target ( ψ200mm x 4mmT )1pcs,Prices.
Thanks.
Jim Hisert:
Hi Bob,
We appreciate your interest in our solar products! A representative from your area will be in contact shortly.
Edison:
dear all
Could you image what will happen when the CIG target used to E beam evaporation process?
or do anyone have the experience??
Jim Hisert:
Hi Edison,
CIG targets are designed specifically for sputtering. They are not used for evaporative processes due to the extremely high temperature that would be necessary.
As always, readers are encouraged to comment with their experiences too.
~Jim
Luiz Carlos Barbosa:
My question is: in this ink type is using Cu, and Ga. Ga é a very rare element in the nature, then when all of the word is using this type of technology there are not raw material for this type of solar cell. their applications is very limited in the word. Sincerely
Jim H.:
Hi Luiz,
I understand your concern – hopefully this addresses and eases your worries: According to the 2009 US Geological Study “Assuming that the average content of gallium in bauxite is 50 parts per million (ppm), U.S. bauxite resources, which are mainly subeconomic deposits, contain approximately 15 million kilograms of gallium.” Currently, not all of it is economical to recover, however we should be alright for longer than that particular technology is around for.
~Jim