GT Solar International has announced the release of breakthrough solar cell efficiency test results conducted at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Researchers performed a series of tests using GT Solar’s monocast silicon material, which is grown in the company’s complex ingot casting furnace. The results showed that with the use of this material, 18.8% of average PV cell efficiency has been achieved with maximum cell efficiencies exceeding 19%.
Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, Director of Center of Excellence for Photovoltaic Research and Education at Georgia Institute of Technology, explained that the latest PV cell efficiency results using GT Solar’s material represent a new record when compared to other test results using large-area monocast material. The data reveals that PV manufacturers might achieve potential cell efficiency in the future using monocast material.
GT Solar’s President and CEO, Tom Gutierrez stated that he is happy about the exciting test results, which signify that the company is moving forward towards its goal. GT Solar focuses on developing enhanced monocast crystallization growth technology to increase the quality of materials. This technology, when entirely commercialized, will help solar manufactures to reduce their costs and turn PV technology more competitive with other types of energy. The monocast material will be commercially available later in 2011.