OFweek Solar PV Network Translation: Schott Solar has manufactured a high-efficiency solar cell using standard production processes. This solar cell is silver-free, using only electroplated copper contacts on the front side and passivation on the back side using PERC technology and aluminum screen printing. This new cell achieves a conversion efficiency of nearly 20% in a 156 mm x 156 mm industrial wafer size. This news has been confirmed by Fraunhofer ISE.
This new type of battery combines several innovative technologies. Just recently, Schott Solar's research project in Las Vegas achieved a conversion efficiency of 18%, replacing the traditional silver contacts on the front panel of polycrystalline silicon solar cells with nickel-copper plating. Simultaneously, this new battery employs PERC back passivation technology, which features high efficiency and low-cost production. If this new battery can maintain long-term stability, then expensive silver will no longer be needed in future solar cell production.
Axel Metz, Director of Solar Cell Development at Schott Solar, stated, “This new cell is a significant milestone in our journey to achieve higher efficiency and lower production costs. We have been exploring various aspects of PERC technology for the past few years and have made significant progress in recent months. We have now successfully incorporated these research findings into this new cell. The next step is to demonstrate the long-term stability of this new cell.”
