Mitsubishi Electric Corp., a global manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment, has achieved a record photoelectric conversion efficiency rate of 18% in a 150-mm square practical-use multi-crystalline silicon solar cell. This rate is an improvement of 1.2% over the company's previous models, the company adds.
According to Mitsubishi, because of the lack of silicon supply, the company has researched ways to make silicon wafers for solar panels thinner and more efficient, while increasing electrical output. The company reached a conversion efficiency rate of 18% by adding a low-reflectivity surface texture on the multi-crystalline silicon, developed a process to print electrodes on the surface of the silicon (metallization) and reduced shade loss of front grid electrodes, Mitsubishi says.
