Suntech Solar Technology Surpasses World Record For Efficiency

Suntech Power Holdings, based in China, announced today that their multi-crystalline silicon PV modules had set a world record for efficiency in solar conversion. The company also made the claim that the modules could be modified to become even more efficient.

Suntech said that the commercial grade panels retained a 15.6% conversion efficiency which surpassed a previous record set by modules produced by Sandia National Labs over fifteen years ago. German based research company,Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, tested the panels for the solar equipment manufacturer.

Suntech used their own Pluto PV cells to power the solar unit. The Pluto PV cells use solar grade silicon and have already been shown to have 17% more conversion efficiency than standard cells. The past record, set 15 years ago, was determined using a frameless solar module, however Suntech’s new record was demonstrated using a fully framed solar cell module. 

“This is a tremendous result for Suntech and clearly demonstrates the power and versatility of the Pluto technology, which can be applied to both mono and multi-crystalline wafers,” said Suntech’s Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stuart Wenham in a news release. “The fact that this module was produced on our commercial scale production lines using regular solar grade silicon is of particular note.”

Two months ago, Suntech made the announcement that the company would be manufacturing their new silicon PV cells in the U.S. on a commercial, large-scale basis. 

Thanks to cleantech.com for the above quote, for more information on this story please view their website.