24 February 2016

Fraunhofer ISE sets CPV module efficiency record of 43.4%

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE of Freiburg, Germany has set a new record of 43.4% for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) energy conversion efficiency on the module level (exceeding its prior record of 38.9% announced in June 2015).

CPV technology is implemented in regions with a high share of direct irradiation in order to generate renewable electricity at cost-effective prices. The new milestone for CPV technology (which uses multi-junction solar cells) demonstrates the potential available for industrial implementation, says Dr Andreas Bett, deputy director of the Institute and Division Director of Materials, Solar Cells and Technology at Fraunhofer ISE.

Picture: The record 43.4%-efficient CPV mini-module, consisting of four-junction solar cells.

Previously, in late 2014, Fraunhofer ISE researchers, together with partners Soitec of Bernin, France and French research center CEA-Leti in Grenoble, achieved record efficiency of 46% for CPV at the cell level, using a four-junction solar cell. The mini-module that has set the new CPV module record is based on this type of multi-junction solar cell in combination with high-efficiency optics.

Details of the technology will be presented at the CPV12 International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems in Freiburg, Germany (25-27 April).

* Fraunhofer ISE and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently (earlier in February) published a report 'Current Status of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Technology'.

See related items:

Four-junction solar cell using Soitec's technologies raises CPV module efficiency record to 38.9%

Fraunhofer ISE, Soitec and Leti raise solar cell efficiency record from 44.7% to 46%

Tags: Fraunhofer ISE CPV

Visit: www.cpv-12.org

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