EMCORE Corp. says its inverted metamorphic (IMM) solar cell technology has been chosen by R&D magazine for an R&D 100 award. The award recognizes the IMM solar cell as one of the most innovative technologies of 2008.
The solar cell technology provides a platform for EMCORE's photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial solar power applications. Solar cells built using IMM technology recently achieved a world-record conversion efficiency of 33% used in space, and it is anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42% to 45% range will be achieved when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems.
Once commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE's IMM-based products will see a reduction in the cost of power generated by approximately 10% to 20%, the company says. EMCORE expects to commercialize this technology for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009.
SOURCE: EMCORE
