Solar PV achieves new level of conversion efficiency
Sanyo Component Europe GmbH has launched a crystalline-based solar photo-voltaic module with a conversion efficiency of 21.6%, claimed to be the world’s highest. The previous highest efficiency was also a Sanyo unit. Three technology enhancements contribute to the efficiency of the new HIT N Series 240W.
The first is high-efficiency cell technology. The cell structure is a mono-crystalline wafer surrounded by very thin layers of amorphous silicon with superior conversion efficiency and excellent temperature characteristics.
The number of tabs has been increased from two to three, reducing electrical loss in the cell fingers. The tabs are also thinner, increasing the effective collector area.
Finally, anti-reflection coated class reduces the reflection and scattering of sunlight, so that more light reaches the cells. The benefit is especially noticeable in the morning and evening when the Sun is low in the sky.
