The production of photovoltaics is fundamentally an energy-intensive process. However, the thin-film technology used in the production of CIGS solar modules means that significantly less material is consumed than is required for the semiconductor layer of conventional silicon cells.

Material consumption in the CIGS process is only up to 1/100th of what is usual in the crystalline sector. Of course, this is also reflected in the CO₂ footprint:

• Type of energy production
  CO₂ footprint / energy payback time
• CIGS modules
  23 g per kwh / < 12 months
• Crystalline modules
  50 - 60 g per kwh / 12-18 months
• Fossil fuels
  700 - 1000 g per kwh / ... (source: DIWECON)

Did you know that a photovoltaic façade consisting of our SKALA modules produces only 20 % of the CO₂ emissions of a glass facade? After only about 18 months in use, our SKALA module has already compensated for the CO₂ portion that was emitted during production.

Our technology completely dispenses with environmentally harmful substances such as cadmium and lead.

In the next step in the further development of our products and processes, we are working on obtaining an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). This will enable us to communicate transparently which pollutants are produced in which process steps and, at the same time, to derive potential for further improving our carbon footprint and reducing pollution from the data obtained.