What is a CIS Solar Module? Are These Commercially Available Today?

 

This question is part of the Super Big Solar Panel FAQ from Solar Mango, where expert answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels are provided.

 

CIS solar modules, a type of thin film solar modules, are made of CIS solar cells.

A CIS solar cell is made of semiconductor layers of Copper, Indium and Selenium, and uses the broadest light spectrum of all solar technologies. This enables high yield even under diffused light conditions.

CIS cells are made with a thin layer of CuInSe2 on plain glass or flexible metal backing.

What are the advantages of a CIS thin film solar panel over the more prevalent crystalline solar panels?

 

Super Big Solar Panel FAQGet to know answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels from here.

 

Many estimates for solar power installations based on conventional module technologies assume optimum conditions, with the sun high in the sky, no clouds, a clear atmosphere, no shadows, moderate temperatures. But such ideal conditions are present only for a small part of the day. CIS (and other thin film) solar modules promise much better performance in shadow, under cloudy skies, low light or high temperatures.

When compared to the other dominant thin-film technology, CdTe (Cadmium Telluride), CIS also has the advantage of the lower environmental impact as the modules are free from lead and cadmium.

Japan’s Solar Frontier is one of the leading global manufacturers of CIS solar modules.

A common variation of this cell is the copper indium gallium diselenide or CIGS. CIGS cells are made with a thin layer of copper indium gallium diselenide Cu(In, Ga)Se2.

Source: CIS Solar Module from Solar Mango’s Solar Dictionary

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3 thoughts on “What is a CIS Solar Module? Are These Commercially Available Today?

  1. Pingback: What is a Crystalline Silicon/c-Si Solar Cell/Module? - Solar Mango – #1 guide for solar

  2. Pingback: How do Monocrystalline Solar Panels Compare with Polycrystalline Solar Panels? - Solar Mango – #1 guide for solar

  3. Pingback: What are Multi-junction Solar Cells? How are They Different from Conventional Solar Cells? - Solar Mango – #1 guide for solar

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