Efficiency Increase for Solar | Green Energy News

May 11, 2003 – Vol.8 No.7

EFFICIENCY INCREASE FOR SOLAR.

The tipping point for solar electric power - the point when the technology takes off in the marketplace as a must-have product - will probably take place when the cost of solar systems drops to near conventional energy levels. Increasing solar-to-electric conversion efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs - at the same time - could bring that tipping point a step closer.

SunPower Corporation has introduced a 125-mm, single crystal cell that converts sunlight into electricity at an efficiency of 20.4 percent which has been verified by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The company claims the new A-300 cell is the most efficient in the industry for low-cost solar cell.

The A-300 cell generates 3 watts of electricity. Translated into enough solar power for a whole house, an array of 17 square meters would supply 3 kilowatts in optimal conditions.

The company claims the accomplishment came with its unique rear-contact design, which maximizes the working cell area as well as hides connection wires while reducing production costs - savings that will be passed on to customers. The rear connection also improves aesthetic appearance of the cell.

SunPower says the A-300 will be available in limited quantities later this year with larger quantities available in 2004 as production is ramped up. The company has provided high performance cells for solar electric cars as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Helios solar airplane, which reached a record altitude of over 96,000 feet - the doorstep of space. Visit SunPower at http://www.sunpowercorp.com/ .