FSLR: Advances in Solar Technology Favor Nanosolar over First Solar
According to Renewable Energy World, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that they have moved closer to creating a thin-film solar cell that can compete with the efficiency of the more common silicon-based solar cell. The Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cell recently reached 19.9% efficiency in testing at the lab, setting a new world record, according to NREL.
The CIGS technology, used by privately held Nanosolar, differs from the Cadmium Telluride in use by First Solar (FSLR). Amorphous silicon and cadmium telluride currently account for 95% of the thin-film panels made, according tot the Department of Energy.
While it is likely that the various technologies will leapfrog each other over time, the latest study will doubtless help Nanosolar in its ongoing quest for capital.
Disclosure: At time of publication, William Trent has no financial position in the companies mentioned.
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