May 15 2010
Crystalline silicon solar panels manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. has partnered with Silex Solar and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to research advanced technology for improving the crystalline silicon solar cells’ power conversion efficiencies. The collaborative research, which is likely to run for three years, received AUD5 million in grants from the Australian Solar Institute (ASI).
By receiving funds from the Australian Commonwealth Government, the ASI invests in research innovation in Australia that aims to decrease the solar energy expenses.
Apart from the AUD5 million grants, both Suntech Power Holdings and Silex Solar are likely to offer over AUD6 million in in-kind research resources and direct funding in the subsequent three years for supporting research activities.
This research project will focus on developing high-volume cell production processes and sophisticated solar cell device designs for achieving considerable cost reduction and performance improvements. The research is likely to complement the development of the Pluto technology of Suntech Power Holdings.
Suntech Power Holdings almost doubled its investments in R&D from $15 million in the year 2008 to $29 million in 2009. The company employs 380 solar professionals and R&D engineers throughout the U.S., Australia, Germany, Japan and China.