Power Generation
German researchers achieve record efficiency for solar cells
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany have reported achieving a record efficiency of 39.7% for a III-V multi-junction solar cell.
Without changing the overall structure of their solar cells, the researchers have improved the contact structures – where the solar cell is contacted to external wires.
“We are very pleased to have advanced a further decisive step in such a short amount of time,” says Dr. Andreas Bett, Department Head at Fraunhofer ISE. “Highest conversion efficiencies help the young technology to become market competitive and to further sink the costs of generating electricity from the sun for the future.”
This type of solar cells have achieved the highest conversion efficiencies to date, but are limited to niche applications in concentrating photovoltaic systems and in space because of high material and manufacturing costs.
For further information:
www.ise.fhg.de/press-and-media/press-releases/press-releases-2008/39.7-2013-new-european-record-efficiency-for-solar-cells-achieved-by-fraunhofer-ise