1366 Technologies ‘Direct Wafer’ reaches verified 19.1% cell efficiency

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

US-Based ‘Direct Wafer’ producer, 1366 Technologies has reported a champion cell that has achieved a cell conversion efficiency of 19.1%, verified by Fraunhofer ISE. 

1366 Technologies used its standard size kerfless multicrystalline wafer technology, 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Frank van Mierlo, CEO, 1366 Technologies said: “The disruptive nature of the Direct Wafer process is not only evident in the cost and material savings it provides, but in its ability to break the technology limitations of conventional wafer manufacturing. The rapid and significant efficiency gains we’ve achieved will be further increased by new wafer features made possible only with our process.”

Van Mierlo said that it was targeting 20% plus cell efficiencies in the first half of 2016.

“These most recent achievements are exciting because they were attained in industrial lines, not a lab. They represent a real leap forward. We are well on our way to producing high performance wafers at a cost of less than US$0.40 each at GW scale,” added van Mierlo.

Recently, 1366 Technologies announced plans to build its first volume manufacturing hub in Genesee County, New York with an initial 250MW capacity (50 furnaces, 50 million wafers per annum) and ramp to 3GW in future phases. 

Read Next

July 11, 2025
Sabanci Renewables, the North American subsidiary of Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holdings, is building a 156MWdc solar project in McLennan County, Texas.
July 11, 2025
Renewable electricity generation has grown more than twice as fast as total global electricity generation since 2012, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
July 11, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) Juniper Green Energy has commissioned an additional 71MWp at Chapalgaon Solar Project in Solapur, Maharashtra.
July 11, 2025
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region has accounted for 69% of the 589GW solar PV inverters shipped in 2024, according to a report from analyst Wood Mackenzie.
Premium
July 11, 2025
Analysis: A presidential executive order issued on Monday tightening up project start rules is causing concern among developers.
Premium
July 11, 2025
According to the latest pricing data from the Silicon Industry Branch, released on 9 July, the transaction price range for n-type dense polysilicon has oscillated between RMB34,000-38,000/ton (US$4,741-5,299/ton).

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK