Konica Minolta’s AK Series photovoltaic reference cells provide consistent cell measurements

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas has introduced the AK Series of new photovoltaic reference cells to the US market. The AK reference cells are used as a standard point of calibration to ensure consistent measurements of newly developed photovoltaic cells. They were created with the cooperation of The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Konica Minolta Sensing; utilizing their advanced optical filter technology to provide high-accuracy measurement for adjusting the intensity of solar simulators used for evaluation of solar cells including tandem cells.

Problem

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

With the increased focus on renewable energy, performance improvements to photovoltaic cells are a key route to lower cost per watt. As cell manufacturers strive to improve the performance and characteristics of solar cells, it is necessary to perform evaluation of each product under standard test conditions. Even on Class C solar simulators for multi-junction cells, the spectral mismatch for tandem solar cells (a-Si / uc-Si types) is drastically lower than that of typical reference cells, making current matching of tandem solar cells easier. For accurate measurements, it is necessary to utilize a reference photovoltaic cell with a calibrated short-circuit current to adjust the intensity of the solar simulator to be used for measurements.

Solution

Initial offerings in the AK Series will include the AK-100 (for amorphous silicon cells), the AK-110 (for microcrystalline silicon cells), and the AK-200 (for crystalline silicon cells). In addition to commercial & university research and development labs, manufacturers of thin film & optical glass who supply components to the PV industry are also prime candidates. Component manufacturers now have a way to accurately test new materials in the same way a R&D lab would. For example the reflection characteristics for the AK-100 highlight that errors found in the short-circuit current (Isc) due to multiple reflection is greatly reduced. Improvements in the optical structure suppress multiple reflections and reduce the 1.3% error of conventional products to 0.0%. A PT-100 temperature sensor is integrated into the package of the AK-100 and AK-110, and can be connected to a temperature-controlled stage for reference PV cells to easily achieve and maintain the standard test condition (STC) of 25°C.

Applications

Amorphous / microcrystalline/ crystalline silicon cells

Platform

Konica Minolta Sensing’s amorphous / microcrystalline SPV Reference Cells are comprised of a stable, single-crystal silicon solar cell combined with newly designed glass filters and covered with a glass plate in a specially-manufactured frame. The Reference PV Cells can be delivered with calibration traceable to NREL.

Availability

Currently available.
 

Read Next

September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.
September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Spanish IPP Velto Renewables has acquired a portfolio of 53 operational solar assets in Spain with a combined capacity of 260MW.
September 17, 2025
Struggling Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger has formally entered into a debt moratorium, with the possibility of rescuing the entire group now looking unlikely.
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA