Kyocera Achieves New World Record in Solar Cell Efficiency
Kyocera Achieves New World Record in Solar Cell Efficiency
Oct 16,2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kyocera announced today that it has achieved a new world record of 18.5% energy conversion efficiency for a 15cm x 15cm multicrystalline silicon solar cell.
The achievement represents the latest in a series of advances by Kyocera, which in 1985 became the first manufacturer to commercialize multicrystalline silicon solar cell technology. Prior records for energy conversion efficiency in multicrystalline cells of this size were also set by Kyocera, including 14.5% in 1989, 17.1% in 1996, and 17.7% in 2004.
Kyocera’s other recent efficiency benchmarks were achieved both by optimizing the cell’s grid-line configuration and by texturing the cell’s surface using the company’s proprietary “d.Blue” process, which maximizes sunlight collection by reducing reflectivity. The latest improvement is the result of increasing the amount of light intercepted by the cell by moving the front contacts to the back of the cell.
“The new world record in energy conversion efficiency that Kyocera announces today demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Steve Hill, President of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “We are pleased that our team has achieved this milestone and we look forward to putting this technological achievement into mass production.”
Kyocera unveiled the new cell during the Renewable Energy 2006 International Exhibition held in Makuhari, Japan, from October 10 to October 13, 2006. “It was a huge hit at our booth,” said Tom Dyer, Vice President of Marketing and Government Affairs for Kyocera Solar, Inc.