Sharp Develops 6-Inch-Size*1 Mono-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell with World’s Highest*2 Full Size Conversion Efficiency of 25.09%
A Fusion of Back-Contact Technology and Thin-Film Technology Innovated by Sharp
Sharp Corporation has achieved the world’s highest full size conversion efficiency of 25.09%*2 using a 6-inch-size silicon solar cell.
This achievement of high conversion efficiency for mono-crystalline silicon solar cell was realized with Heterojunction Back Contact structure, a fusion of back contact structure*3, utilized in Sharp’s high-efficient solar module BLACKSOLAR and heterojunction structure, forming an amorphous silicon film on the surface of mono-crystalline silicon substrate.
This technology accomplishment is supported by the research and development initiative promoted by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)*4 under the theme of “Development of Cost Reduction Technology of High Performance, High Reliability Solar Power Generation”. Measurement of the value of 25.09% was validated by the Japan Electrical safety & Environment Technology laboratories (JET) *5.
Sharp will continue to work to achieve higher conversion efficiency as well as improving power generating costs in order to contribute to the development of renewable energy.
*1 Measure based on full area (240.6cm2) of 6-inch-size solar power cell.
*2 As of march 27, 2018 based on Sharp’s survey.
*3 A structure arranging the electrodes on the back side of solar cell to increase the light receiving area and amount of power generation.
*4 NEDO is one of Japan’s largest public management organizations for promoting research and development as well as for disseminating industrial, energy, and environmental technologies.
*5 JET is an organization that officially certifies energy conversion efficiency measurements in solar cells.