Feb 15 2010
A new world record was set by Kyocera for achieving a module efficiency of 16.6% with efficiency for aperture area being 17.3% for its multicrystalline solar modules utilizing 54 cells in the development stage. The module design and the company’s proprietary "Back Contact" technology were further improved to achieve this world record. The refinement of the technology resulted in optimization of each cell’s performance thus increasing the total energy conversion efficiency.
Kyocera, a leading integrated manufacturer of solar modules, strives to achieve higher efficiencies from its solar modules and cells through continuous technology improvements. Through the Back Contact technology developed by company the electrode wiring is shifted to the back of the cell thus increasing the area for capturing the sun, resulting in greater energy conversion efficiency. In other modules, the electrode wiring is on the surface of the solar cell. For individual cells, Kyocera has achieved 18.5% energy conversion efficiency during the development stage.
Kyocera, since commencing its solar energy business in 1975, has continuously made technology advancements in the solar technology. To increase the energy efficiency of each cell, the company has expanded the cell size and to reduce the raw material required, the thickness of the cell has been reduced.
Source: http://global.kyocera.com/