Kyocera says it has achieved a record 18.5% energy conversion efficiency for a 15x15cm multi-crystalline silicon solar cell.
On the same day SunPower announced a solar panel based on 22% efficient single crystal silicon solar cells and carries a rated power output of 315W. See here
Single crystal solar cells are inherently more efficient, but typically more expensive, than multicrystaline cells which are now being introduced into a range of consiumer products.
Kyocera uses efficiency techniques such as texturing the cell’s surface using a proprietary process which is designed to maximise sunlight collection by reducing reflectivity. This 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 firm has been manufacturing multi-crystalline silicon solar cell technology since 1985.
For full releases see here.
SunPower will show its SPR-315 high power solar panel at this week's Solar Power 2006 Conference and Expo in San Jose, California.
The new SPR-315 solar panel is planned for commercial availability in spring 2007.