Kaneka continues solar cell R&D collaboration with imec

November 9, 2015
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Imec and Kaneka are expanding their collaboration on solar cell technology to incorporate life science and thin-film electronics.

Nanoelectronics research centre imec and Japanese solar cell manufacturer Kaneka are expanding their collaboration on solar cell technology to incorporate life science and thin-film electronics.

Recently, Kaneka announced a record of 25.1% efficiency for both-side-contacted crystalline silicon solar cell with copper contact metallisation and plans to establish a pilot production line using the technology. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Imec said that the extended work with Kaneka included using its thin-film electronics technology developed in cooperation with the Holst Centre, set up by imec and TNO in the Netherlands, to optimise applications in flexible, stretchable and low-cost electronic solutions.

Luc Van den hove, president and CEO at imec, said: “Collaboration plays a crucial role in pushing forward the development of innovative solutions, and we are extremely pleased that Kaneka has made imec a key partner for its advanced research. This agreement validates our R&D offering in high efficiency solar cell technology, life sciences and thin-film electronics, and we are confident that our new frame agreement will lead to promising results in the future.”

Read Next

November 17, 2025
US solar module manufacturer First Solar will build a new production facility in the state of South Carolina, which will bring its US nameplate manufacturing capacity to 17.7GW by 2027.
October 31, 2025
US thin-film module manufacturer First Solar has unveiled plans to build a new 3.7GW manufacturing plant in the US in 2026.
October 22, 2025
US thin-film manufacturer First has revealed another transfer of its 45X manufacturing tax credits in a deal worth around US$775 million.
October 16, 2025
US utility-scale solar additions grew by 56% in 2024, reaching 30GW from 2023’s 19GW and representing over 54% of all new electricity generation capacity added in the country last year.
October 8, 2025
University of Sydney scientists have created the largest and most efficient triple-junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell on record.
September 29, 2025
Indian solar manufacturer Waaree has said it does not expect to pay additional duties on its solar cell imports to the US, following the start of an antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA