Italy-based Silfab SPA and Germany-based research center ISC Konstanz, which are working together on developing interdigitated back-contact (IBC) solar cells, say they have reached 21% conversion efficiency with their ZEBRA cell concept.
The efficiency level was achieved using monocrystalline silicon large-area solar cells and a low-cost industrial process. According to Silfab and ISC Konstanz, this process has the potential to produce IBC cells with more than 24% efficiency.
The ZEBRA cell concept is based on 156 mm x 156 mm n-type monocrystalline silicon wafers and is a back-contact/back-junction cell. The technology is now ready for industrialization, and Silfab is moving toward a partnership aimed at the pilot stage and, subsequently, industrial implementation.
As a result of the partnership, the cell and module manufacturing pilot line will be implemented in the next few months.
