The semiconductors in Stion’s thin-film solar panels are made of Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenium and Sulfur (a compound commonly abbreviated as CIGS). Traditionally, CIGS-based materials have demonstrated the highest efficiencies of any thin-film technology. However, there are many variations of the technology and performance varies widely based on how the materials are deposited and processed. Stion deposits the materials on glass using two separate processes which enable exceptional uniformity over a large area and precise control of these elements. Stion deposits the materials on glass using two separate processes which enable exceptional uniformity over a large area and precise control of these elements.

Sputtering is a high-volume industrial process which involves depositing a thin-film layer on the glass by bombarding the metals with energized particles, causing atoms to break off and form the thin-film layer.

The Selenium and Sulfur are baked into the glass through the Selenization and Sulfurization process. The glass is placed in a giant furnace and heated. As the glass warms, selenium and sulfur gasses are pumped in and the heat bonds the materials to the surface creating another thin film.

By combining these common materials with propietary science, Stion is able to make extremely efficient thin film solar panels. Although only a few grams of each of these materials are used to make a panel, they play a pivotal role in solar electricity generation. Fortunately, these materials are also plentiful byproducts of some of the most commonly mined metals in the world. Each year millions of tons of Zinc, Aluminum and Copper are refined and as a small part of this process, the Indium, Gallium and Selenium that Stion uses is extracted.

By combining these common materials with the power of the sun, Stion makes technically superior and incredibly affordable solar panels.