Double solar world record
July 7, 2011
(PhysOrg.com) -- A world record double by UNSW solar cell researchers promises to make solar power more affordable, with world-beating new technology delivering substantial efficiency gains at minimal extra cost.
Using a patented laser process, researchers from UNSW’s Photovoltaics Technology Transfer Team, working with solar technology firm Centrotherm, achieved a new world benchmark of 19.3 percent efficiency in May for a mass-produced, crystalline silicon solar cell. They improved that result in June to advance the record to 19.4 per cent.
The previous record for cells created with this process was 18.9 per cent.
The new cells compare favourably with the 18 per cent-efficient cells commonly used in rooftop solar panels.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-solar-world.html