Bosch Solar Energy’s new large-scale PERC solar cells have achieved record-breaking efficiencies of 19.6% during testing at the Fraunhofer Institute. The monocrystalline cells managed to record a peak output of 4.73W.
The rear side of Bosch’s PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) cells are coated with a dielectric and a metal layer and equipped with point contacts, which improves incident light reflection on the cell's rear side and enables the emitter to convert more light into electricity. Consequently, modules with these cells yield proportionately more output under weak light incidence and increased ambient temperatures.
“This is a great success for the engineering team, especially since we've exclusively used industrial production steps to manufacture those record-breaking cells,” said Bosch’s chief technology officer, Volker Nadenau. “Now we have to push hard in order to make our products based on this design as soon as possible ready for production.”
Bosch’s PERC cell was unveiled at last September’s 25th EUPVSEC in Valencia and it signals the first stage of the expansion of Bosch’s solar division; a new research and development center in Arnstadt, scheduled to be opened this summer, is being built as part of the capacity expansion.
