SolarWorld AG new world record for PERC-technology solar cells

SolarWorld AG has set a new world record for efficiency of industrially produced solar cells made using so-called PERC-technology (passivated emitter and rear cell). The CalLab of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has confirmed that the global manufacturer of premium-quality products surpassed its own record by reaching a new height of 21.7 percent in its solar cell efficiency. 

 

 

 

The cells, based on crystalline p-type silicon wafers, were manufactured using industrial production processes, meaning that they can be quickly placed into mass production. SolarWorld will offer modules with 300-watt and more featuring this technology beginning this fall. 

 

 

 

“SolarWorld has been the first company to rely on PERC in its cell production. With this new record, we expand our technological lead even further. We can offer customers more electricity production on the same area and at the highest quality and durability,” says Dr.-Ing. E. h. Frank Asbeck, CEO of SolarWorld AG. “And our researchers and developers already have an eye on the next efficiency improvements.” 

 

The passivation layer in PERC solar cells, which reflects light that would otherwise be lost is,  usually deposited by PECVD or ALD. I am waiting for a confirmation which process is used in the case of this world record.