Copper indium gallium (di)selenide thin-film array, fixed ground-mount
Copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) replaces silicon as the active photovoltaic material in these panels. CIGS is a relatively recently developed substance for solar panels, and research continues to refine the way it is used.
CIGS panels offer higher stable efficiencies than many other thin-film panels. In laboratory tests they have achieved efficiencies comparable to crystalline silicon panels.
CIGS material can be used with a variety of substrates, allowing it to be incorporated into building materials such as roof tiles, windows and commercial building panels. This makes their installation very versatile.
This array is the first grid-connected CIGS installation in Australia. Long term data will demonstrate its performance in ranging conditions.
Solco Choice Electric is an Australian wholesaler of solar power and solar water pumping systems.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 9.34 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 5.76 kW |
| Array area: | 82.91 m² |
| Number of panels: | 96 |
| Panel efficiency: | 6.9 % |
| Panel type: | Shurjo SE60-J14 A-CGS-060W |
| Inverter size, type: | 5 kW, SMA SB 5000TL-20 |
| Array orientation: | True north, at 20º tilt |
| Installation completed: | 30 January 2009 |
*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.