Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. says it has achieved a new world-record conversion efficiency of 15.6% on a commercial-grade multicrystalline silicon PV module. This conversion efficiency surpasses the previous record of 15.5% (aperture area only) set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago.
The multicrystalline module conversion efficiency was independently tested by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany.
Suntech's world-record-breaking multicrystalline silicon module is powered by Pluto PV cells utilizing solar-grade silicon, with each PV cell having a conversion efficiency well over 17%.
The previous record was based on an aperture area or frameless module. In contrast, Suntech's new world-record efficiency includes the framed area, without which Suntech believes it would achieve a conversion efficiency of well over 16%.
Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd: (866) 966-6555
SOURCE: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd.
