First Solar has achieved a major milestone with 17.3% cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) solar cell efficiency, which is greater than the previous record of 16.7% in 2001.
First Solar's research and development group studies a PV test cell constructed using commercial-scale manufacturing equipment and materials.
The company has set this world record with a test cell built using commercial-scale manufacturing materials and equipment and the cell’s performance is confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).
Chief Technology Officer, Dave Eaglesham remarked that the achievement represents the ongoing capability of First Solar’s advanced thin-film technology and it is the result of investment in R&D. This forward initiative in R&D supports the company to achieve production module efficiencies and will also determine industry expectations for CdTe technology efficiency. The innovation of First Solar in balance of systems engineering and PV module technology will drive the company closer to grid parity.
The modules produced in the first quarter of 2011 had an average efficiency of 11.7% and First Solar has recorded full-module efficiencies of more than 13.5%. The company has set an objective for production-module efficiencies of 13.5-14.5% by the year end of 2014.
First Solar uses a continuous production process, which converts a glass sheet into a solar module within 2.5 hours. The company has also put across the first comprehensive solar module collection and recycling program in the industry.