Improved Efficiency of Multicrystal Silicon Solar Cells/Modules
World's Most Efficient (15.7%) Solar Modules
 to Go into Commercial Production
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(This document was translated from the Japanese press release.)
August 3, 2004
Kyocera Corporation (President: Yasuo Nishiguchi) is pleased to announce the successful development of a new multicrystal silicon solar module to be mass produced for the general market, offering the world's best*1 module conversion efficiency at 15.7%. Preparations for commercial-scale production are scheduled to start in September this year with a view to the product being made available both domestically and overseas from next financial year.
Prior to the development of this module, Kyocera had already achieved the world's best*2 cell conversion efficiency at 17.7% for multicrystal silicon solar cells for the general market.
The new-model, high-efficiency cells that are now produced using the processes developed through these previous successes will be used in solar module applications. Kyocera will continue to work on producing even more efficient and higher added-value modules (for market release), such as those to go into commercial production next year, in order to secure the leading position in the market.
For over twenty years, Kyocera has been looking into the potential of multicrystal silicon solar cells/modules in our solar energy business, and has continued to work on creating a market for such products. This new product innovation can be attributed to our fully-integrated production system, which we are committed to maintaining, and our comprehensive technology development capabilities right through from wafer quality control to our cell and module production processes.
The world's most efficient multicrystal silicon solar module
*1)As of August 1, 2004.
*2)As of August 1, 2004. For multicrystal silicon solar cells of 150 mm x 155 mm in size.
New-model, high-efficiency solar cells
By satisfying the following main requirements, Kyocera has succeeded in developing the world's most efficient multicrystal silicon solar cell.
(A)Improved silicon wafer quality: Established a way of reducing impurities
(B) Development of a cell electrode structure design: Established a fine, low-resistance electrode structure, with an optimal electrode pattern design.
(C) Development of high-quality, contact electrode forming technology: Developed electrode materials and established optimal conditions for forming.
Through technological developments in the casting process, impurities in multicrystal silicon have been successfully reduced, and the quality of silicon wafers has been enhanced. Also, with the development of thin-wire, thick-film electrodes in cell processing, the light-sensitive surface area of cells has been increased, while resistance has been lessened through the use of three bus bars instead of two as previously used. Other innovations have also been made in a variety of other areas through the development of electrode materials to enhance electrode contact and through the optimization of temperature profiles in calcination processes, all of which have led to the successful development of this new, high-efficiency solar cell.
[The world's most efficient solar cell - by Kyocera]
(As of August 1, 2004) |
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The world most efficient solar cell |
| Efficiency |
17.7% Measured by Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) |
| Size |
150 mm x 155 mm solar cell for the general market(large surface area) |
| Type |
Crystalline (Multicrystal silicon) |
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| Kyocera will use these new processes to manufacture high-efficiency solar cells for the general market in the future. |
New-model, high-efficiency solar modules
New-model, high-efficiency solar modules |
By satisfying the following main requirements, Kyocera has successfully developed the world's most efficient multicrystal silicon solar module.
(A) Use of new-model, high-efficiency solar cells
(B) Use of a resistance-lowering configuration for wiring
(C) Improved cell filling rate
The newly developed high-efficiency multicrystal silicon solar cells are used for the new-model modules. In terms of the module production process, resistance has been lowered through innovations in the wiring configuration of horizontal lines and tabs, etc., and the gap between cells has been reduced to boost the filling rate of cells in the module.
With these new developments and innovations, Kyocera now intends to move into the commercial-scale production of these high-efficiency solar modules, and will supply them to the market. |
[The world's most efficient solar module - by Kyocera](As of August 1, 2004)
| Module output |
189.17 W * Highest solar module output in the Kyocera range. |
| Module size |
1247 mm x 967 mm (1.2058 square meters) |
| Module efficiency |
15.7% * As of August 1, 2004. World's most efficient multicrystal silicon solar module for commercial production |
| Element configuration |
48 cells connected in series (150mm x 155mm square cell) |
| Cells used |
High-efficiency multicrystal silicon solar cells (Average cell efficiency: 17.2%) |
Kyocera's integrated production system generates top world-class efficiency
Kyocera employs a totally integrated production system that extends right through from the solar cell (element) raw materials stage, to the production of silicon wafers, the production of cells, and the assembly of modules. This production system, which is entirely in-house, allows us to pursue high product quality.
Kyocera's integrated production system has facilitated innovation across all production processes, including the key processes involving element technologies (wafer and cell production processes), and has been an instrumental factor in improving product efficiency to a level at which mass production is viable. The system offers traceability, which helps to improve quality, while on the other hand, it also has the advantage of allowing us to benefit from our own cost-cutting solutions in-house.
It is thanks to our integrated production system that we have been able to develop the world's highest efficiency solar cells and modules, targeted for general market and
produced on a large scale.
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Silicon grains |
Ingots |
Wafer slices |
Solar cells |
Solar modules |
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| Inquiries |
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From
the Press |
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Kyocera Corporation Corporate Communications
Head Office
Tel: 075-604-3416 (Direct)
Tokyo
Tel: 03-3274-1577 (Direct) |
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