Low-cost solar cell claims 20% efficiency

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 27, 2003

SunPower is sampling a device it claims to be the world's most efficient low-cost silicon solar cell.

SunPower Corp is sampling a device it claims to be the world's most-efficient, low-cost silicon solar cell.

Based on a novel rear-contact design which maximises the working cell area, hides unsightly wires and makes automated production easier, the A-300 achieves over 20% efficiency, compared with currently available cells in the 12-15% range.

The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has verified 20.4% conversion efficiency for the A-300.

The 125mm, single-crystal A-300 cell generates 3W of electricity providing the most efficient cost-per-watt solution in the photovoltaic (PV) industry.

Additionally, the A-300 silicon solar cell delivers 3kW in less than 17m2, allowing SunPower's customers to trump the world's best area-efficient construction designs.

The A-300 solar cells are ideal for rooftop systems, communications, building integrated PV systems, and consumer applications.

Cypress Semiconductor Corp is sharing its expertise in technology development and high-volume manufacturing with SunPower, providing the solar cell company with a substantial competitive advantage in a silicon-intensive, highly cost-sensitive business.

The 2MW manufacturing line that yielded the A-300 cells is adjacent to Cypress's manufacturing facility in Round Rock, Texas.

A future SunPower manufacturing facility is under consideration for a site nearby Cypress's high-volume assembly and test facility in the Philippines.

"The A-300 cell marks a major milestone both for SunPower and for the photovoltaic industry", said Dick Swanson, SunPower President and CEO.

"The cell's innovative design, high-efficiency and low manufacturing cost will enable our customers, the companies that design and build solar modules to create superior products at a cost capable of accelerating the rate of conversion to clean, solar solutions".

"SunPower cells have been used in a broad range of high-profile, high-performance products, including NASA's Helios solar airplane, which set an altitude record of 96,863ft in 2001", Swanson said.

"But our partnership with Cypress has been key in enabling our transition from a small-scale solar supplier to a world-class manufacturer of solar cells for high-volume applications".

"Performance and cost is key to making solar power a commercial success", said TJ Rodgers, SunPower Chairman, and President and CEO of Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

"The A-300 provides an entirely new class of cost-effective solutions to the clean energy industry".

"The solar cell business represents a great opportunity for several reasons", Rodgers added.

"Even without the negative effects of political volatility, the production of conventional sources of energy, such as oil, is expected to peak over the next decade, requiring renewable forms of energy to begin to take its place.

"After more than 30 years of continuous improvement, the science of solar power has matured to the point where it has become highly cost-effective".

The A-300 cells eliminate front-side metallisation by using a patented rear-contact design to provide more cosmetic uniformity and maximise energy generation.

These products have been developed on a 2MW pilot line in preparation for a full-scale manufacturing facility to be established in the near future.

This production line enables SunPower to manufacture solar cells with less raw material and higher throughput.

Until now, this level of efficiency and aesthetic value was unattainable for commercial applications.

The A-300 will be available in limited quantities in the second half of 2003.

Production quantities are expected to be available in 2004.