© www.solarstromforschung.de / Solarworld

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research have launched a joint research programme called 'R&D for photovoltaics'. Now, the first global record has been set. Solar cells developed as part of the HELENE research project have reached 21.7 per cent efficiency, setting a world record for p-type mono-crystalline PERC solar cells. These cells convert more than one fifth of the solar energy absorbed into electric energy. Solar cells of this type currently available on the market do not exceed 18 per cent efficiency. The project is being run by seven partners, and coordinated by SolarWorld Innovations GmbH. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has awarded funding of just under ten million euros to the project.

What is special about this project is that the solar cell was not developed in a research lab, but as part of an industrial research and production process. This means that the industry will be able to quickly adopt this level of quality.

The new solar cell uses the so-called PERC technology. PERC stands for 'passivated emitter and rear cell'. Compared to the cells of the previous generation, the enhanced solar cells come with an improved rear side that can absorb even more sunlight. PERC technology is about to be launched onto the markets nationwide. Producers are already adapting their production processes to take into account the new developments. This gives the German solar industry a competitive edge in international competition.
High efficiency ratios help to further reduce the cost of solar electricity. As part of the HELENE project, solar cell efficiency is to be further increased to 22.5 per cent.

'Solar electricity research' programmes drive competitiveness

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is granting funding of 43 million euros to nine industry research projects under its 'R&D for photovoltaics' programme, also called 'solar electricity research' programme. Success stories like the new efficiency record that was set show that research programmes make German photovoltaics research and production more competitive. In order for Germany’s energy transition to be successful, research and development activities are necessary to further build on new technologies and innovations.