Title :
20% efficient photovoltaic module
Author :
Zhao, J. ; Wang, A. ; Taouk, M. ; Wenham, S.R. ; Green, M.A. ; King, D.L.
Author_Institution :
Centre for Photovoltaic Devices & Syst., New South Wales Univ., Kensington, NSW, Australia
Abstract :
Describes the first 20% efficient flat-plate photovoltaic module ever reported. The 743-cm/sup 2/ module is based on large-area PERL silicon cells (passivated emitter rear locally diffused) of average unencapsulated efficiency of 21.3%, giving an independently confirmed module energy conversion efficiency of 20.6% under standard test conditions. The module also shows a very low temperature coefficient of performance increasing its performance advantage over standard silicon modules at increased temperature. Also reported is an independently confirmed efficiency of 21.6% for a 46 cm/sup 2/ cell of the type used in the module, the highest efficiency ever reported for a cell of this size.<>
Keywords :
elemental semiconductors; encapsulation; modules; photovoltaic cells; silicon; 20.6 percent; Si; flat-plate photovoltaic module; large-area PERL silicon cells; module energy conversion efficiency; passivated emitter rear locally diffused; temperature coefficient of performance; unencapsulated efficiency; Australia; Energy conversion; Gallium arsenide; Laboratories; Photovoltaic systems; Silicon; Solar power generation; Temperature; Testing; Time measurement;
Journal_Title :
Electron Device Letters, IEEE
