Cyrium Technologies introduces quantum dot enhanced CPV cell, claims 40% conversion efficiencies

Cyrium Technologies has introduced its first commercial product: the quantum dot enhanced cell (QDEC), a line of high-efficiency, advanced multijunction concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells for terrestrial applications.

The Ottawa-based company, which employs a fabless business model, says the III-V solar cells have average efficiency levels of 40% at >500-1000 suns and a minimum efficiency offering of 38% on a standard 10mm × 10mm cell.

Cyrium CTO Simon Fafard explained that "delivering sustained performance at >500-1000 concentrations with very little performance degradation at the highest illuminations is a major distinguishing feature of our QDEC products."

"Another advantage of the QDEC line, which we designed specifically for CPV applications, is that it delivers improved performance in the case of nonuniform illumination," he continued. "And, Cyrium's proprietary quantum dot technology enables those benefits without added thicknesses or complexities.”

President/CEO Harry Rozakis said that the company's "primary objective in developing the QDEC line is to provide our clients with high-efficiency, cost-effective cells with consistent reproducible performance. Using [our] proprietary nanotechnology, the line of cells Cyrium is introducing will exceed the performance of product currently available in the market.”

“Cyrium’s product introduction sets new performance standards for solar cell suppliers to the CPV industry,” he claimed. “We believe the exceptional performance of our cells will enhance CPV's business case, while the technology becomes a significant factor in moving the cost of renewable solar energy toward grid parity."