Entech Solar joins forces with Fraunhofer CSE for back-contact cell testing

March 13, 2009
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Entech Solar’s research has led it to enter into a collaborative agreement with Fraunhofer USA’s Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) to evaluate the possibility of incorporating high-efficiency back-contact silicon solar cells into Entech’s 20x concentrating solar systems.

Working with Freiburg, Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Fraunhofer CSE will implement research into the feasibility of this potentially efficiency-boosting addition to Entech’s current cells.

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The organisations will simulate, design, and test prototype back-contact silicon solar cells and make recommendations in regard to Entech’s mass production of such products. The tests will be carried out in Fraunhofer CSE’s solar development and test laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in Fraunhofer ISE’s facility in Freiburg, Germany.
 
“Our engagement with Fraunhofer demonstrates Entech’s commitment to producing the most efficient, highest quality concentrating solar products available,” said Frank Smith, CEO of Entech Solar. “This contract supports the Company’s strategy of commercializing its existing concentrating solar modules as well as investing in next generation systems. We expect to realize significant performance improvement through this relationship.”

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