Sharp Develops Solar Cell with World’s Highest Conversion Efficiency of 36.9%

Achieved with Triple-Junction Compound Solar Cell

Osaka, Nov 4, 2011 – (JCN Newswire) – Sharp Corporation has achieved the world’s highest solar cell conversion efficiency(1) of 36.9%(2) using a triple-junction compound solar cell in which the solar cell has a stacked three-layer structure.

Compound solar cells utilize photo-absorption layers made from compounds consisting of two or more elements, such as indium and gallium. Because of their high conversion efficiency, compound solar cells have been used primarily on space satellites.

Since 2000, Sharp has been pursuing research and development of a triple-junction compound solar cell that achieves high conversion efficiency by stacking three photoabsorption layers. In 2009, Sharp succeeded in improving cell conversion efficiency to 35.8% based on proprietary technology that enabled efficient fabrication of a stacked triple-layer structure with InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) as the bottom layer.

This latest increase in conversion efficiency was achieved by improving the maximum power output of the solar cell by reducing the resistance of the junction areas necessary to connect the solar cell layers in series.

Sharp achieved this latest breakthrough as a result of a research and development initiative promoted by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)(3) on the theme of “R&D on Innovative Solar Cells.” Measurement of the value of 36.9%, which sets a new record for the world’s highest non-concentrating conversion efficiency, was confirmed at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

In the future, processes for transferring ultra-thin photovoltaic layers onto film substrates will make lightweight, flexible solar cells possible. Sharp’s goal in the years to come is to take full advantage of this latest development success for use in concentrator-type solar cells, as well as for practical applications such as on space satellites and for flight craft and land vehicles.

History of Sharp Compound Solar Cell Development

1967  Development begins of solar cells for space applications using

      single-crystal silicon.
1976  Launch of operational Japanese satellite, “Ume,” equipped with

      Sharp solar cells for space applications (single-crystal

      silicon solar cell).
2000  Research and development begin on triple-junction compound

      solar cell to further improve efficiency, reduce weight, and

      increase durability of solar cells for space applications.
2001  Participation in research and development on NEDO’s photovoltaic

      power generation themes.
2002  Triple-junction compound solar cell gains certification from the

      Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
2003  Conversion efficiency of 31.5% is achieved (at the research level)

      for triplejunction compound solar cell.
2004  Launch of small scientific satellite, “Reimei,” equipped with

      Sharp triple-junction compound solar cells.
2007  Conversion efficiency of 40.0% achieved (at the research level)

      for a triple-junction compound solar cell (concentrator type,

      at 1,100 times concentrated sunlight).
2009  Launch of Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT), “Ibuki”,

      equipped with Sharp triple-junction compound solar cells.
2009  Conversion efficiency of 35.8% is achieved (at the research level)

      for a triplejunction compound solar cell based on research

      and development efforts that are part of NEDO’s “R&D on Innovative

      Solar Cells” program.
2011  Conversion efficiency of 36.9% is achieved (at the research level)

      for a triplejunction compound solar cell based on research

      and development efforts that are part of NEDO’s “R&D on Innovative

      Solar Cells” program.

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(1) As of November 4, 2011, for non-concentrator solar cells at the research level (based on Sharp survey).
(2) Conversion efficiency confirmed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST; one of the organizations around the world that officially certifies energy conversion efficiency measurements in solar cells) in September 2011. (Cell surface: approx. 1 cm2)
(3) The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) is Japan’s public management organization for promoting research and development as well as for disseminating industrial, energy, and environmental technologies.

About Sharp

Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. For more information, please visit www.sharp.co.jp .



Source: Sharp

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