Swiss Federal Institute of Technology achieves record conversion efficiency

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology yesterday  announced it has achieved a conversion efficiency of 10.7% for a single-junction microcrystalline silicon thin-film solar cell.

The new record for this type of cell has been confirmed by the independent institute,  Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).

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

The conversion efficiency of 10.7% tops the previous record of 10.1%, achieved by Japan’s Kaneka Corporation in 1998.

According to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, the record cell efficiency was achieved using 1.8 micrometers of thin silicon active material, which is 100 times less material than is used for conventional PV technologies.

Simon Hänni, PhD student at IMT Neuchâtel, said: “Deep understanding has been gained these last years in material quality, efficient light-trapping and cell design, which in combination with careful process optimization led to this remarkable world-record efficiency.”

It is understood that the employed processes can be up-scaled to the module level. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology claims that this type of thin-film silicon technology could eventually lead to module production prices as low as €35 ($47) per square meter ($47).

Read Next

September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.
September 16, 2025
The SPPC has launched a request for qualifications for 5.3GW of new renewable power capacity, of which solar will account for 3.1GW.
September 16, 2025
Chinese polysilicon producer GCL-Tech has entered into a strategic financing agreement with Infini Capital, a globally renowned investment institution backed by a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
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