A
copper indium gallium selenide solar cell (or
CIGS cell, sometimes CI(G)S or CIS cell) is a
thin-film solar cell used to convert sunlight into electric power. It is manufactured by depositing a thin layer of
copper, indium, gallium and selenide on glass or plastic backing, along with electrodes on the front and back to collect current. Because the material has a high
absorption coefficient and strongly absorbs sunlight, a much thinner film is required than of other semiconductor materials.