News Article
Q-CELLS Announce Two New Records
Q-Cells SE has announced two new records for multi-crystalline solar modules. The independent calibration laboratory of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg confirmed the module efficiency of 18.5 per cent in reference to the aperture area for a module with 60 multicrystalline solar cells. With this efficiency record, Q-Cells have broken its own record of 18.1 percent set in the summer of 2011. Additionally, the independent calibration laboratory of the Fraunhofer ISE confirmed a peak output of 283 watts for a quasi-monocrystalline module.
Both records are based on the Q.ANTUM cell concept of Q-Cells. The market introduction of the Q.ANTUM solar cells and modules is planned for 2012. Pilot production of the new cell concept is now underway in Thalheim. In April 2011, the Q.ANTUM solar cell by Q-Cells already set the world record for large-scale multi crystalline solar cells with an efficiency of 19.5 per cent. Multicrystalline or quasi-monocrystalline silicon wafers with a thickness of 180 µm, mirrored and passivated with functional nano-layers on the rear side, are the base material for the solar cells that were used. The structure of the rear side, made of dielectric layers in combination with local contacts, improves the optical and electrical characteristics of the solar cell and results in a significant performance increase compared to the standard BSF (back surface field) technology which is currently in widespread use.