Solar Cells with High Energy Conversion Efficiency
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) , Japan has been successful in achieving the world's highest energy conversion efficiency in practical size (100 cm2 or more) crystalline silicon-type solar cells, achieving a efficiency of 22% (until now 21.8%) at a research level for its proprietary HIT solar photovoltaic cells. The increase in the solar cell conversion efficiency is accompanied by significant advances in lowering the production cost of the photovoltaic system and the reduction in the use of raw materials such as silicon. This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through the 22% mark in conversion efficiency at the research-level for practical-sized solar cells. Overview of the elemental technology enabling the high energy conversion efficiency 1. Development of a cleaning technology and damage restraint technology for single crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers The structure of the HIT solar cell is such that it has a feature that can reduce recombination loss*5 of the electrical element (charged carrier) *6 by surrounding the energy generation layer of single thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) with high quality ultra-thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. This time SANYO developed two special technologies, one for cleaning the c-Si surface and the other for protecting the c-Si surface from damage during construction of the a-Si layer. The result was an increase in the open circuit voltage (Voc) *7 from 0.718V to 0.722V. 2. Improvement in the optical confinement technology Sunlight that hits the solar cell surface is guided in through the texture of the micron order*8 on the surface of the cell. This time, the size and the shape of the texture was optimized and the short circuit current (Isc) *9 was improved from 38.37mA/cm2 to 38.64mA/cm2. For Further information, please contact Global Communications Department Corporate Communications Headquarters SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Tel: +81-3-6414-8615 Fax: +81-3-6414-8720 E-mail: i_press.1014390@sanyo.co.jp Web: http://www.sanyo.com
Sector: Renewable Energy Technologies
Country: India
Area of Application: Renewable Energy Sector, Photovoltaics
Keywords: Solar cells, High Energy Conversion Efficiency
Advantages: 1. The world's highest solar energy conversion efficiency in practical size is achieved.
Environmental aspects: Energy efficiency
Development Status: Commercial Prototype
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Transfer Terms: Equipment Supply
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Contact Person: APCTT (UNESCAP)
Address: Asian and Pacific Center for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) C-2, Qutab Instituational Area
City: New Delhi
Country: India
Zip/Pin Code: 110016