Falling production costs, improving module conversion efficiencies, and increasing adoption in commercial rooftops have made 2011 a breakout year for copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS). However, its recent success notwithstanding, CIGS presents a great variety of processes (sputtering, evaporation, ink printing), substrates (glass, steel, polyimide), and deposition equipment. CIGS still faces lifetime and bankability issues. Thus, the sector remains ripe for companies offering innovative, high-efficiency technologies and novel, non-active materials to resolve the remaining lifetime issues. This report addresses the CIGS industry landscape and identifies winners, losers, and winning strategies that are likely to shape this industry's future.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Landscape
CIGS Manufacturing Needs to be Optimized for Ideal Throughput, Yield, and Cost Savings
Despite Several Commercial CIGS Pathways, No Single Method Has Come Out on Top
The Case for Flexible versus Rigid Substrates
Improvement in Module Efficiency and Reduction in Module COGS is Imperative for CIGS Survival
Research Institutes Map the Future of CIGS technology
Turnkey CIGS Equipment Providers Will Have Limited Role in the Near Term
Landscape Conclusions
Analysis
Active and Non-Active Material Costs Account for Significant Portion of CIGS Module COGS
Module Efficiency and Module COGS Will Determine Margins in the CIGS Industry
CIGS Will Be a $2.35 Billion Market in 2015, with an Average Selling Price of $1/Wp
