World first 17% efficient multi-crystalline silicon module

The overall demand in reducing the cost of electricity from solar energy has driven the cost of solar modules down. ECN developed an innovative module technology to enable this cost reduction requirement. The back-contact solar module concept caters specifically for high-efficiency solar cell types. It combines advanced module manufacturing design and process with emphasis on manufacturability and performance to provide an effective route toward the reduction of cost-performance ratio of crystalline silicon module. This paper discusses the recent achievement in the delivery of the world´s first 17% efficient multi-crystalline silicon module by utilizing the back-contact module concept, and the corresponding optimizations that resulted in this number.