Technological developments causes of <strong>the</strong> optical absorption loss. SANYO has recently developed know-how to reduce optical absorption loss in both <strong>the</strong> a-Si layer and transparent conductive layer. As a result, <strong>the</strong> short circuit current (Isc), or <strong>the</strong> maximum current that can be produced by <strong>the</strong> solar cell, was improved from 39.2mA/cm 2 to 39.5mA/cm 2 . 3. Reduction of resistance loss. In <strong>the</strong> solar cell, generated electric current is collected by and taken out through <strong>the</strong> surface grid electrode. SANYO has recently realized lower-resistance electrode material for use in <strong>the</strong> grid electrode and a higher-aspect ratio through improving printing technology, leading to a success in reduction of resistance loss when an electric current flows through <strong>the</strong> grid electrode. As a result, <strong>the</strong> fill factor (FF, <strong>the</strong> total output divided by <strong>the</strong> product of Voc and Ioc) was improved from 0.791 to 0.80. The characteristics of <strong>the</strong> HIT solar cell Open circuit voltage (Voc) 0.729V Short circuit current (Isc) 3.968A (39.5mA/cm 2 ) Fill factor (FF) 80.0% Cell energy conversion efficiency 23.0% Cell size 100.4cm 2 This achievement by SANYO represents <strong>the</strong> first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through <strong>the</strong> 23% mark in conversion efficiency at <strong>the</strong> research-level for practical-sized solar cells. SANYO will continue to advance its efforts into applying this research-level achievement into mass production, and promote fur<strong>the</strong>r research into energy efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and materials. Ascent <strong>Solar</strong> modules to be designed into <strong>the</strong> development of hybrid Ascent <strong>Solar</strong> Technologies, Inc., announced that its state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules will be designed into <strong>the</strong> development of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (H-UAV) called <strong>the</strong> Silent Sentinel, developed by Bye Aerospace, Inc. The H-UAV will be designed primarily for military use; however, its capabilities will also include a broad spectrum of civil applications. The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics (PV) and o<strong>the</strong>r technologies to enhance its endurance, quiet operations and low emissions. For primary propulsion, <strong>the</strong> hybrid UAV will be coupled with an advanced Williams International FJ33 turbofan. The efficient engine will provide <strong>the</strong> UAV remarkable climb rates and high altitude quick access to areas requiring surveillance. Charlie Johnson, chief operating officer of Bye Aerospace, said <strong>the</strong> Silent Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV that will incorporate several proprietary clean energy features. “Ultimately, it will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The unique characteristics of <strong>the</strong> Ascent <strong>Solar</strong> flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient.” “Our flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS PV technology offers <strong>the</strong> ideal combination of low weight, higher voltage, and high performance that makes it ideal for applications such as <strong>the</strong> Silent Sentinel,” said Dr. Joseph Armstrong, chief technical officer of Ascent <strong>Solar</strong> Technologies. Potential military applications include border patrol, search and rescue, visual and <strong>the</strong>rmal reconnaissance, and forward air control. In addition, potential civil applications include traffic control, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection and aerial photography. Initial meetings are being conducted with US Government entities regarding <strong>the</strong> capabilities of <strong>the</strong> aircraft. More are planned in <strong>the</strong> near term. www.ByeAerospace.com, www. ascentsolar.com. New record for Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s Micromorph® technology Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong> has achieved a new record efficiency level for commercial thin film silicon PV modules. Recent test results from Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s pilot production line in Switzerland show that full-size Micromorph modules (1.4 m 2 ) have 151 Watts initial power, or 11 percent initial power conversion efficiency. This result sets a new industry record for production thin film silicon modules. Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong> was able to consistently reproduce modules with similar record results, demonstrating a stable and scalable process. Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong> has previously announced an ambitious production cost target of USD 0.70 per watt peak and is on track to achieve this target by end of 2010. Increased module efficiency and power are key contributors to this goal. The excellent performance of <strong>the</strong> record modules demonstrates <strong>the</strong> advantage of Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s end to end manufacturing solution. Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s advanced PV technologies and process integration know-how result in an optimized manufacturing solution that is able to achieve higher conversion efficiencies and lower cost of ownership. An example of this technology optimization is Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s integration of a proprietary process to deposit high-quality transparent conducting oxide (TCO) on <strong>the</strong> front and back surfaces of <strong>the</strong> active thin film silicon junction. This TCO is engineered to optimize <strong>the</strong> performance of <strong>the</strong> Micromorph technology by improving light transmittance and light scattering, resulting in maximum efficiency and electricity output. “We are confident that our ability to repeatedly achieve record results can be transferred into mass production soon,” said Dr. Juerg Henz, head of thin film engineering and operations. Oerlikon <strong>Solar</strong>’s IEC certified Micromorph® technology significantly boosts solar cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to <strong>the</strong> amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts <strong>the</strong> energy of <strong>the</strong> red and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent. The Micromorph technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling a growing number of PV module manufacturers around <strong>the</strong> globe to produce cost-effective high-performance thin film silicon solar modules.” Mitsubishi develops world’s first organic photovoltaics module Mitsubishi Cooperation (MC), <strong>the</strong> National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and <strong>Technology</strong> (AIST) and Tokki Corporation (TOKKI) have succeeded in developing a new, highly integrated organic photovoltaics (OPV) module. MC, AIST and TOKKI have been conducting a joint research and development project for OPVs since March 20, 2008. OPVs are a well–known type of third-generation photovoltaics that use organic materials to make light, thin and colorful film PV modules. OPVs are expected to be used in windows, walls, cloths, textiles, outdoor equipment and toys. These applications have proven difficult for <strong>the</strong> silicon type of PV modules currently in use, and <strong>the</strong> hope is that OPVs will be more effective. Until now, however, <strong>the</strong> efficiency of OPVs in converting sunlight has been a problem. MC, AIST and TOKKI now believe <strong>the</strong>y have developed a highly integrated Continued on page 31 26 – <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Solar</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> – July/August 2009 www.globalsolartechnology.com
Competition is increasing as more suppliers enter <strong>the</strong> industry every day. Protect your market share or gain a foothold by telling <strong>the</strong> world in <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Solar</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> A focused manufacturing magazine and website to build your brand. www.globalsolartechnology.com www.globalsolartechnology.com <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Solar</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> – July/August 2009 – 27
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