Nonvacuum techniques for fabricating thin-film CIGS

Nonvacuum particles-based techniques have been used to fabricate CuIn/sub 1-x/G/sub x/Se/sub 2/ (CIGS) films useful for manufacturing efficient photovoltaic cells and modules. Processes optimized for cell performance are shown in certain cases to be ill-suited to monolithic modules. Module efficiencies of 5% have been achieved. Opportunities for further improvements are discussed.