Monday, October 16, 2006

Kyocera Claims Record In Solar Cell Efficiency

Scottsdale, Arizona-based Kyocera Solar is claiming a word record in energy efficiency for its solar cells, saying today that it has achieved 18.5% energy conversion efficiency for a 15cmx15cm multicrystalline silicon solar cell. Kyocera said that the latest improvements in its efficiency best its 17.7% record set in 2004. Kyocera said that the efficiency was achieved by optimizing the cell's grid-line configuration and texturing of the cell's surface. Kyocera is among the largest manufacturers of solar photovoltaic cells.