SolarWorld ‘gradually’ migrating cell production to PERC and five busbar technology

March 21, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Currently, SolarWorld claims to have upgraded between 800MW to 1GW of conventional Al-BSF production lines to PERC, predominantly monocrystalline since transferring from its pilot line in 2012. According to Neuhaus, migration to PERC on a total nameplate capacity of 1.5GW was in progress.

According to SolarWorld’s 186-page annual report for 2015, and a presentation by Dr. Holger Neuhaus, Managing Director, SolarWorld Innovations GmbH at the inaugural PV CellTech conference held in Malaysia last week, high-efficiency products will be the key focus of its expanded manufacturing capacity and technology migrations in 2016. 

At the core of SolarWorld’s high-tech strategy is migrating all solar cell production to PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology and moving from three busbars to five in order to boost conversion efficiencies and limit capital expenditures at the same time as these changes are relatively simple and low-risk ramps, compared to entire new cell concepts such as heterojunction, according to Neuhaus at PV CellTech. 

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

Currently, SolarWorld claims to have upgraded between 800MW to 1GW of conventional Al-BSF production lines to PERC, predominantly monocrystalline since transferring from its pilot line in 2012. According to Neuhaus, migration to PERC on a total nameplate capacity of 1.5GW was in progress. 

Indeed, in SolarWorld’s 2015 annual report, further PERC migration to full production status would be ‘gradual’, notwithstanding that increased production utilization in 2015, due to increased shipments and tight capex control prevented a more aggressive switch. 

SolarWorld’s PV CellTech presentation also revealed that average efficiencies of PERC cells in high-volume production had achieved 21.4%, resulting in PV module power distribution average of 303.3W.

More is expected in 2016, according to Neuhaus as the company plans further PERC optimization with cell efficiencies at its pilot line pushing 21.8% with over 50% of processed cells. 

SolarWorld has also developed a bi-facial version of its current PERC cell that has entered production and more capacity is expected to be allocated to bi-facial cells and modules in 2016. 

Possibly to meet further monocrystalline PERC and bi-facial module demand, SolarWorld noted in its latest annual report that it would be re-starting updated monocrystalline ingot pulling production at its manufacturing plant in Hillsboro US along the lines of its restart of production at the former Bosch facility at Arnstadt, Germany in 2015.

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.
Sponsored
October 22, 2025
LONGi vice president Dennis She discusses the value logic behind the company's strategic focus on back contact technology.
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 20, 2025
Details of tariffs on US imports of polysilicon products may be announced as early as the end of this month, according to a note from investment bank Roth Capital.
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 15, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Geronimo has begun construction on it’s150MW solar project in Illinois and commissioned the 125MW PV project in Michigan.

Subscribe to Newsletter

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 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal