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New solar cell: 44,7% efficiency in converting solar energy
The efficiency record reached by this new solar cell has been possible thanks to “wafer bonding”, a new technology that correctly superimposes semiconductor crystals, matching them perfectly.
From the collaboration among the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Soitec, CEA-Leti and Helmholtz Centre Berlin has been developed a new world record solar cell. At a concentration of 297 suns, the conversion efficiency of sunlight into electricity is of 44,7%, highest than the 30% conversion efficiency of normal solar panels.
The new multi-junction solar cell is realised with superimposed layers of different semiconductors based on a new solar cell structure with four solar subcells. In this way, it is possible to convert into electricity nearly 45% of ultraviolet and infrared sunlight through concentrator photovoltaics (CPV).
The efficiency record reached by this new solar cell has been possible thanks to “wafer bonding”, a new technology that correctly superimposes semiconductor crystals, matching them perfectly.
On this topic, Frank Dimroth, Department Head and Project Leader in charge of this development work at Fraunhofer ISE, said: “We are incredibly proud of our team which has been working now for three years on this four-junction solar cell. This four-junction solar cell contains our collected expertise in this area over many years. Besides improved materials and optimization of the structure, a new procedure called “wafer bonding” plays a central role. With this technology, we are able to connect two semiconductor crystals, which otherwise cannot be grown on top of each other with high crystal quality. In this way we can produce the optimal semiconductor combination to create the highest efficiency solar cells.”
The new multi-junction solar cell is realised with superimposed layers of different semiconductors based on a new solar cell structure with four solar subcells. In this way, it is possible to convert into electricity nearly 45% of ultraviolet and infrared sunlight through concentrator photovoltaics (CPV).
The efficiency record reached by this new solar cell has been possible thanks to “wafer bonding”, a new technology that correctly superimposes semiconductor crystals, matching them perfectly.
On this topic, Frank Dimroth, Department Head and Project Leader in charge of this development work at Fraunhofer ISE, said: “We are incredibly proud of our team which has been working now for three years on this four-junction solar cell. This four-junction solar cell contains our collected expertise in this area over many years. Besides improved materials and optimization of the structure, a new procedure called “wafer bonding” plays a central role. With this technology, we are able to connect two semiconductor crystals, which otherwise cannot be grown on top of each other with high crystal quality. In this way we can produce the optimal semiconductor combination to create the highest efficiency solar cells.”
