To achieve this latest increase in conversion efficiency, Sharp says it capitalised on the ability of its cell to efficiently convert sunlight collected via three photo-absorption layers into electricity. Sharp also optimised the spacing between electrodes on the surface of the concentrator cell and minimised the cell’s electrical resistance.
This achievement was recorded through research and development efforts that are part of the ‘R&D on Innovative Solar Cells’ project promoted by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Measurement of the value of 43.5 per cent was confirmed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany.