SolarWorld AG has set a new world record for efficiency of industrially produced solar cells made using so-called PERC-technology (passivated emitter and rear cell). The CalLab of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has confirmed that the global manufacturer of premium-quality products surpassed its own record by reaching a new height of 21.7 percent in its solar cell efficiency. The cells, based on crystalline p-type silicon wafers, were manufactured using industrial production processes, meaning that they can be quickly placed into mass production. SolarWorld will offer modules with 300-watt and more featuring this technology beginning this fall.
“SolarWorld has been the first company to rely on PERC in its cell production. With this new record, we expand our technological lead even further. We can offer customers more electricity production on the same area and at the highest quality and durability,” says Dr.-Ing. E. h. Frank Asbeck, CEO of SolarWorld AG. “And our researchers and developers already have an eye on the next efficiency improvements.”
World’s largest PERC manufacturer
800 megawatts of the company’s cell capacity have already been changed to PERC. Thus, SolarWorld AG possesses the largest production capacity worldwide to manufacture this high-performance technology, which the company is going to expand. As a result of new coating processes on cells’ fronts and backs, the PERC technology achieves much higher efficiencies.
SolarWorld REAL VALUE: SolarWorld manufactures and sells high-tech solar power solutions and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The group, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, employs approximately 3,500 people and carries out production in Freiberg, Germany; Arnstadt, Germany; and Hillsboro, USA. From raw material silicon to solar wafers, cells and modules, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including its own research and development. Through an international distribution network with locations in Europe, USA, Singapore, Japan and South Africa, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world. The company maintains high social standards at all locations across the globe, and has committed itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld was founded in 1998 and has been publically traded on the stock market since 1999. More information at www.solarworld-uk.co.uk
