• Q-Cells SE has developed a record-breaking polycrystalline module with an efficiency rating of 17.84 per cent and output of 268 watts, demonstrating its technological leadership

 

Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, 2 March 2011 – Q-Cells SE, one of the world’s leading photovoltaic companies, has used new cell technology to break the world record in the field of polycrystalline solar modules. The ESTI (European Solar Test Installation) confirmed independently that the module has a record efficiency rating of 17.84 per cent in relation to the aperture area. The module’s output of 268 watts underlines Q-Cells’ technological leadership in the sector as well as its leadership in quality innovations in Germany.

 

This top-class module from Q-Cells contains 60 high-efficiency polycrystalline cells with dimensions of 156 x 156 mm², produced in-house and arranged in a conventional layout. Due to up-to-the-minute technological processes, the module tested achieved a first in terms of efficiency rating – 17.84 per cent on an area of 1.492 square metres (aperture area). The independent photovoltaic calibration laboratory run by the ESTI (European Solar Test Installation) confirmed the record-breaking efficiency rating to the solar company Q-Cells.

 

The base material for the high-efficiency solar cells used in the module is conventional, 180-µm-thick polycrystalline silicon wafers, which were metallised on the back side and passivated in Q-Cells' in-house research centre with functional nanolayers. This new type of structure for the back side, consisting of dielectric layers combined with local contacts, improves the solar cell’s aesthetic and electrical characteristics and significantly boosts its output as compared to the BSF (back surface field) technology used up until now. The independent calibration laboratory run by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems confirmed that these high-efficiency cells have a peak efficiency rating of 18.45 per cent. This innovative structure of the rear side is suitable for a range of silicon qualities and for very thin wafers. This creates potential for further cost savings in industrial production.    more   

 

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