In a groundbreaking development, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany, French solar technology company Soitec, and the Helmholtz Research Center in Berlin have achieved a major milestone in photovoltaic efficiency. They have developed a four-junction solar cell that reaches an impressive 44.7% conversion efficiency under concentrated sunlight of 297 times. This breakthrough sets a new world record and signals a significant step forward in making solar energy more cost-effective and efficient.
This achievement follows earlier progress made in May of this year, when the same group of researchers, including scientists from the CEA-Leti laboratory in France, achieved a 43.6% efficiency with a concentration of 319. Building on that success, the team conducted extensive research, optimization, and refinement to push the efficiency even further. Their work has now led to the creation of the most efficient solar cell ever recorded.
These advanced solar cells are primarily used in Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) systems, which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto high-efficiency photovoltaic cells. CPV is considered a key third-generation technology in the future of solar power, offering higher efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional solar panels.
The four-junction design uses different III-V semiconductor materials—such as gallium, indium, nitrogen, and phosphorus—to create multiple layers within a single cell. Each layer captures a specific range of the solar spectrum, allowing the cell to convert more of the sun’s energy into electricity.
Frank Demers, head of R&D at the Fraunhofer Institute, highlighted the importance of a new technique called "wafer bonding" in achieving this result. This method allows precise alignment of semiconductor materials, enabling the creation of highly efficient combinations that were previously difficult to achieve. “After years of effort, we’ve not only improved materials and structures but also introduced a new approach that has significantly boosted performance,†he said.
Andrei Jacqueliman, CEO of Soitec, expressed confidence in the future of multi-junction solar cells. “In just four months, we’ve increased the efficiency record by 1%, which shows how much potential there is in this design. I believe we’re on the path to exceeding 50% efficiency soon,†he added.
This innovation marks a major leap in renewable energy technology, promising a future where solar power becomes even more competitive and sustainable.
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