Japan-based Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. says it has developed a mass-production process for 156 mm x 156 mm monocrystalline silicon solar cells that have a conversion efficiency of 21%.
The company holds patents on the technologies involved and is now seeking to license the process to solar cell manufacturers.
Shin-Etsu Chemical says its approach is based on screen-printing technology and is compatible with existing manufacturing processes. The finished product is a bifacial light-receiving solar cell, enabling greater power generation in strong reflected-light environments, such as on snow or water.
