SBIR-STTR Award

Low Cost High Efficiency CIGS Solar Cells and Modules on Lightweight Titanium Foil
Award last edited on: 7/8/2010

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : OSD
Total Award Amount
$839,684
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
OSD07-ES3
Principal Investigator
Vijay K Kapur

Company Information

International Solar Electric Technology Inc (AKA: ISET)

20600 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
   (818) 882-8687
   N/A
   www.isetinc.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 32
County: Los Angeles

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2007
Phase I Amount
$99,912
ISET is proposing to fabricate CIGS solar cells on lightweight and flexible titanium foil using its patented low cost ink-based process. The ability to encapsulate titanium foil in an appropriate protective and insulating coating has made it compatible with our low cost process and has also enabled us to fabricate modules via monolithic integration. Specific power densities >1000 W/kg are now achievable on metallic foil substrates.

Keywords:
Cigs, Titanium, Solar Cells, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide, Thin Films, Lightweight, Ink Based, Low Cost

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
2008
Phase II Amount
$739,772
ISET is proposing to fabricate high efficiency CIGS modules on lightweight and flexible titanium foils using its proprietary low cost ink based process. In phase I we have developed a protective coating for the titanium foil that has made it compatible with our low cost process for fabricating high efficiency CIGS cells. The insulating nature of this coating will enable us to fabricate high efficiency modules using standard monolithic integration techniques. The proposed work is aimed at increasing the cell efficiency from 10% to over 15% by way of gallium redistribution in the absorber films, enabling achievement of specific power densities >1500 W/Kg. In addition, significant effort will be focused on optimization of the module fabrication process and minimization of performance losses during monolithic integration of the cells. Success in this project will ready the technology for larger scale testing and production on the pilot line currently being established at ISET.

Keywords:
Cigs, Titanium, Low Cost, Thin Film, Light Weight, Solar Cells, Modules, Manufacturing, Ink-Based, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide