First Solar Inc. says it has set a new world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic solar cell conversion efficiency, achieving 18.7% cell efficiency in tests confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The record-setting cell was constructed at the company's Perrysburg, Ohio, factory and research and development center using processes and materials – including the glass substrate – that are designed for commercial-scale manufacturing.
According to Raffi Garabedian, First Solar's chief technology officer, the achievement showcases the ‘huge potential’ of CdTe solar modules compared to that of other PV technologies.
