Trina Solar Claims New Milestone Efficiency Record for Multi-Crystalline Silicon Modules

SPECIAL REPORT. Chinese solar photovoltaics (PV) maker Trina Solar claims to have reached a record-high efficiency of 19.14% for its p-type multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. The record has been independently verified by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) in Wuxi, China. A factory worker in China inspects crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Image Credit: Imaginechina/Corbis via Spectrum IEEE The modules have an aperture area of 1.515 square metres (16.3 sq ft) and comprise 60 Honey Plus 156-sq-mm cells. The multi-crystalline silicon module is fabricated with advanced technologies including back surface passivation, local back […]

SPECIAL REPORT.

Chinese solar photovoltaics (PV) maker Trina Solar claims to have reached a record-high efficiency of 19.14% for its p-type multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules.

The record has been independently verified by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) in Wuxi, China.

A factory worker in China inspects crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Image Credit: Imaginechina/Corbis via Spectrum IEEE

The modules have an aperture area of 1.515 square metres (16.3 sq ft) and comprise 60 Honey Plus 156-sq-mm cells. The multi-crystalline silicon module is fabricated with advanced technologies including back surface passivation, local back surface field and half-cell module technologies developed by Trina Solar. The manufacturer explained in a recent press release.

The result was achieved through the efforts of Trina Solar’s research and development (R&D) team at its State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology in China.

“We are very pleased to announce these new exciting efficiency results achieved by Trina Solar’s researchers at the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology,” said Dr. Pierre Verlinden, Vice-President and Chief Scientist of Trina Solar.

He continued that to the best of their knowledge, this is the first time that a multi-crystalline Silicon PV module reaches an efficiency higher than 19%.

That it demonstrates that multi-crystalline Silicon PV modules can reach an efficiency level that was reserved to the most efficient solar cells before, such as mono-crystalline IBC or heterojunction cells.

“This milestone achievement is the result of a very close collaboration among our silicon crystallization, solar cell and module scientists,” added Dr. Pierre Verlinden. “We believe that innovation is playing the very essential role to Trina’s sustainable growth and long-term success. Our focus remains on developing innovative and cutting-edge solar power products and technologies to strengthen our leadership in the PV industry.”