Stion, a manufacturer of high efficiency thin-film solar modules, announced that the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has verified 14.8% aperture efficiency (13.4% module efficiency) for fully certified commercial modules (65 cm x 165 cm) produced at its Hattiesburg, MS factory.

• Stion manufactures monolithic CIS (CIGS) modules in its new facility in Mississippi

This 145-watt module has the highest efficiency verified by NREL for a monolithically integrated CIGS module manufactured on a commercial production line, and exceeds the 140-watt module produced by Stion on its San Jose pilot line last August.

Stion’s unique approach to CIGS leverages proprietary materials and device expertise along with a robust, high-volume manufacturing process based on readily available, standardized equipment. Utilizing a monolithically integrated circuit design instead of assembling individual cells into a module enables a lower bill of materials and more streamlined manufacturing process.