Achieving 20% efficiency mass production modules through advanced designs

Over the last years SunPower has steadily improved the absolute module efficiency through a combination of cell and module design improvements. Between 2007 and 2011, such changes have enabled a 1.4% absolute reduction in cell to module conversion efficiency loss, increasing module power by 7% and enabling the production of a 20% efficient module. Module design changes included a switch to a higher area cell, adoption of anti-reflective coated (ARC) glass and the use of advanced module materials that improve the power performance of the encapsulated solar cell. Advances have been validated through volume manufacturing and third party lab measurements.