Testing the limits of mechanically-scribed CIGS microcells

The performances of CIGS microcells of sizes ranging from 250μm×250μm to 500μm×500μ mobtained by mechanical scribing are analyzed. Despite additional shunts due to the formation of cracks and spalling effects at the edges, the microcells reasonably preserve the efficiency of the standard cell (17.3%). The behavior of the cell edges is analyzed through SEM images, LBIC and PL measurements. Under 21 suns, an efficiency of 19.4% was obtained. This shows that the concept of concentration on mechanically-scribed CIGS microcells works well and could be applied on record efficiency CIGS cells (22%).