What are the Benefits of CIGS Solar Technology?
CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) is a thin-film solar technology particularly well suited to commercial vehicle applications.
Unlike conventional rigid, glass-based solar panels, CIGS technology enables panels to be manufactured in a lightweight, thin and flexible format that can integrate closely with a vehicle roof. Its characteristics also make it well suited to the variable light, shading and operating conditions experienced by commercial vehicles.
Why is CIGS Suitable for Commercial Vehicles?
The key benefits of CIGS solar technology include:
- Lightweight construction – helping to minimise additional vehicle weight and protect payload.
- Thin and flexible design – allowing panels to follow the contours of a vehicle roof without bulky mounting frames.
- Glass-free construction – providing a robust, shatter-resistant solution suited to demanding mobile applications.
- Strong low-light performance – enabling useful energy generation across a wider range of daylight and weather conditions.
- Good shading tolerance – helping the system continue generating when parts of the panel are affected by shadows or obstructions.
- Bonded installation – the solar panel is bonded directly to the vehicle surface rather than mechanically fixed through the panel.
These characteristics are particularly important on commercial vehicles, where available roof space, weight, durability, changing light conditions and everyday operational demands all need to be considered.
CIGS Solar Technology for Commercial Vehicles
CIGS technology forms the basis of Genie Insights’ Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) solutions, combining the physical characteristics required for vehicle integration with strong performance across the variable light and operating conditions experienced by commercial fleets.
Explore our CIGS Solar PV technology.
For a more detailed look at how CIGS compares with conventional solar technologies and why its characteristics are particularly suited to vehicle applications, read our guide to the advantages of CIGS solar technology for commercial vehicles.
