The R&D business venture between Silfab and ISC Konstanz has resulted in the introduction of large area solar cells made of monocrystalline silicon with over 19% energy conversion efficiency.
ZEBRA Cells
The partnership between the two companies on Interdigitated Back-Contact Cells (IBC) utilized a cost-effective production process to manufacture new solar cells that have the potential to achieve more than 22% efficiency.
The back-contact solar cell, named as ZEBRA, utilizes a large area n-type monocrystalline silicon wafers. It is a back-junction, back-contact cell and does not have metallization over the side that faces the sun. The new technology, which begins from 19% conversion efficiency, is anticipated to surpass other technologies that saturate at nearly 19% to 20% efficiency and will reach 22% efficiency and beyond, thus cutting down the production expenses per watt peak.
The ZEBRA production process includes a novel and efficient mix of single process steps that are currently used in other large-scale PV production across the world, thus doing away with the need of having an exclusive equipment for production of IBC. Existing production lines can be utilized to manufacture the solar cells at reduced price levels per watt.
The newly developed technology will enable Silfab to perform the role of a technology supplier for other solar cell and module producing companies who look forward to modify their production lines to achieve increased growth and profitability.
Silfab is planning to implement a production pilot line at the end of 2011 and the commercial version of 60 ZEBRA cells, with peak power production efficiency of more than 290 W, is anticipated to begin by 2012. The new product is covered under the company’s four decades linear warranty conditions.