SOLEXEL recently unveiled a breakthrough in monocrystalline silicon thin-film solar cell technology at the EU PVSEC conference, where they achieved an impressive cell conversion efficiency of 20.1%. This innovation is based on epitaxial growth, a process that eliminates the need for traditional silicon ingot formation and cell cutting, significantly lowering manufacturing costs to as low as $0.40 per watt.
Founded in 2007, SOLEXEL is a small but ambitious startup with around 50 employees. Pawan Kapur, the company's vice president, highlighted that this was the first time they publicly detailed their manufacturing approach. The process begins by creating a porous silicon layer on a substrate, followed by the deposition of a single-crystal silicon film (43 micrometers thick) through epitaxial growth. A metal layer, such as aluminum, is then applied, and a laser is used to pattern the electrodes. Finally, a flexible material is added, allowing the silicon film and its upper layers to be peeled off the substrate—enabling the reuse of the original base material.
The cell size matches standard crystalline silicon cells, measuring 156 mm square. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the 20.1% efficiency is an officially recognized value. However, SOLEXEL has already reported results exceeding 21% in improved versions of the technology. Looking ahead, the company aims to scale up the cell size to 210 mm square and explore alternative materials beyond silicon.
This development marks a significant step forward in the quest for more efficient and cost-effective solar solutions. With potential applications across various industries, SOLEXEL’s innovative approach could play a key role in the future of renewable energy. (Reporter: He Jiji, "Nikkei Electronics")
NINGBO DOTEC is a Pulse Valve manufacturer and supplier in China for many years, has various types of pulse valves for you to choose.
Different Connection Types:
1. Threaded Pulse Valves
2. Dresser Nut Pulse Valves
3. Flanged Pulse Valves
4. Manifold Mount Pulse Valves
5. Straight Through Pulse Valves
GOYEN Pulse Valve, GOYEN Pulse Jet Valve, GOYEN Diaphragm Valve, GOYEN Dust Collector Pulse Valve
NINGBO DOTEC AUTOMATION CO., LTD , https://www.ningbodotec.com