Solar Junction CPV wafer

Solar Junction (San Jose, California, U.S.) has announced a new world-record conversion efficiency of 44% for a production-ready solar photovoltaic (PV) cell using its multi-junction technology.

The measurement of 44% conversion efficiency at 947 suns was verified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL, Golden, Colorado, U.S.). The new efficiency beats its previous record of 43.5% at 418 suns set in April 2011.

“Breaking our own world record cements Solar Junction as an innovator and leader in the multi-junction cell space,” said Solar Junction VP of Technology Vijit Sabnis. “We continue to push technological boundaries to further drive CPV costs down.”

Cell based on A-SLAM design

The new cell is based on Solar Junction’s A-SLAM design. The company notes that this announcement follows a successful investment round and an order for 5 MW of its products.

Earlier in 2012, Solar Junction signed an investment and manufacturing agreement to ramp Solar Junction’s SJ3 solar cell product to high volumes.

Finally, the company is commissioning a production facility, partially funded by a U.S. Department of Energy SUNPATH contract in Silicon Valley. Solar Junction plans to begin shipments in the first quarter of 2013.

Source: Solar Server