Feb 20 2010
Kyocera, one of the leading solar module manufacturers, has achieved a conversion efficiency of 16.6% (aperture are efficiency of 17.3%) with its polycrystalline solar modules by incorporating its back-contact technology.
This 16.6 % conversion efficiency has been attained in polycrystalline solar modules comprising 54 solar cells. The design of the module as well as each cell’s output were optimized to accomplish this result. In the back-contact technology, the electrodes that carry the current are shifted to rear side from the front side, thus leading to an increase in the light capturing surface area of the module, which maximizes energy conversion.
In the development stage, the company’s own results for energy conversion reported a result of 18.5% efficiency for polycrystalline solar cells. Since starting its solar business in 1975, the Kyocera Corporation has been a leader in the solar power market in the world.
Source: http://www.kyocerasolar.com/