Solar Centre - Desert Knowledge Australia

CIGS Thin Film, QCells

 Q-Cells
Copper indium gallium di-selenide thin-film array, fixed ground-mount

In this type of thin film module the active layer consists of Copper Indium Gallium di-Selinide (CIGS) instead of silicon. The long thin cells of CIGS modules make them less sensitive to partial shading compared to crystalline silicon modules.

In the laboratory, CIGS modules have achieved efficiencies comparable to crystalline silicon modules. Q-Smart CIGS modules have one of the highest conversion efficiencies of thin film modules produced on a commercial scale.

Q-Cells is a global business that manufactures photovoltaic cells and modules. Q-Cells also designs, installs and markets large scale photovoltaic systems.

Electricity produced (annual):9.1 MWh*
System size:5.61 kW
Array area:49.48 m²
Number of panels:66
Panel efficiency:11.33 %
Panel type:SL1-85 Q-Smart UF 85
Inverter size, type:6kW, SMA SMC 6000A
Array orientation:True north, at 20° tilt
Installation completed:1 August 2010

* This figure is based on an assumption of 1.622 MWh annually, per kWp of installed solar panels. This may prove to be a conservative estimate for Alice Springs.

An initiative of Desert Knowledge Australia.
Funding provided by the Australian Government and administered by the Northern Territory Government