A month ago we reported Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) had set a new world record conversion efficiency of 15.6% on a commercial grade multi-crystalline silicon solar panel, with its Pluto technology.
The company announced yesterday it had again beaten all previous records for polycrystalline silicon module conversion efficiency. The new world record conversion efficiency (aperture area only) was measured at 16.53% by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany.
As with the previous effort, this record breaking multi-crystalline silicon module is powered by Pluto PV cells.
According to Dr. Stuart Wenham , Suntech’s Chief Technology Officer, “This shows that it is possible to combine both first class R&D and low cost manufacturing into a commercially viable business model that will bring clean alternative energy to the world’s growing energy demands.”
Pluto cells are based on PERL technology, developed at the University of NSW in Australia. Through special texturing technology, increased sunlight can be absorbed even without direct solar radiation. Thinner metal lines on the top surface also shading loss. Suntech’s Pluto technology can be applied to various types of solar panels for differing applications and product types.
Suntech still won’t be content with this record – the company anticipates the Pluto technology will achieve up to 20% conversion efficiency on monocrystalline solar cells and 18% on polycrystalline solar cells within the next two years.
Suntech’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Zhengrong Shi , will present a paper on the technology required to produce the Pluto cells on a commercial scale at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Germany today.
