This article was first published on Solar Love under the title, “Multicrystalline Solar Cell Efficiency Record Set By JA Solar.” JA Solar has reported that it has achieved a record 18.3% efficiency for a standard 156×156 mm2 multicrystalline solar cell. This was verified by Yangzhou Opto-Electrical Products Testing Institute. This is twice … [continued]
An international team of researchers has demonstrated the first “quantom-dot-in-nanowire” system, a breakthrough that holds enormous potential for solar photovoltaics, energy-efficient lighting, and quantum computing.
Finding ways to reduce the reflectivity of silicon PV cells to near zero and produce them cheaply enough in commercial quantities is a big challenge. Natcore, working in partnership with NREL, believes they’re nearly there with their near-commercialization of black silicon solar cells. […]
Fresh out of having its dot-sized, triple junction solar PV cells validated at 41% efficiency, Semprius is building a 35 MW production facility in North Carolina. Using a massive parallel micro-transfer process, its concentrated PV modules are expected to be competitive with fossil fuels. Siemens and VC partners have taken an equity stake in the start-up, a dramatic illustration of how federal government support is being leveraged by private industry.
