Pronunciation: [sˈɪɡz] (IPA) 
The word "CIGS" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /sɪɡz/. The first sound, /s/, is pronounced as the "s" in "snake". The second sound, /ɪ/, is pronounced as the "i" in "sit". The third sound, /ɡ/, is pronounced as the "g" in "get". The fourth and final sound, /z/, is pronounced as the "z" in "zebra". CIGS is an acronym for the materials used in thin-film solar cells, copper indium gallium selenide.
CIGS is an acronym for Copper Indium Gallium Selenide, which is a type of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology used in solar cells. The term "CIGS" refers to both the material itself and the solar cells made from it.
Copper Indium Gallium Selenide is a semiconductor compound made of a mixture of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. It is typically layered onto a flexible or rigid substrate, such as glass or plastic, to form a thin film. This thin-film technology offers several advantages over traditional crystalline silicon solar cells, including cost reductions, versatility in shape and size, and higher efficiency potential.
CIGS solar cells work by absorbing sunlight, which excites the electrons in the material, creating an electric current. The various elements in the compound have different properties that contribute to the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity. Copper aids in electron transport, indium and gallium improve light absorption, and selenium ensures better electrical conductivity.
Compared to other thin-film technologies, CIGS has shown promising efficiency levels, with the potential to reach or even surpass the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. Additionally, CIGS solar cells have shown excellent performance in low-light conditions, making them suitable for a range of applications, including residential and commercial rooftops, portable devices, and even spacecraft.
Overall, CIGS is a semiconductor compound used in the production of thin-film solar cells, offering advantages such as cost reduction, flexibility, and high efficiency potential in converting sunlight into electricity.
