Date: 28/10/2009

Sharp develops 35.8% conversion efficient solar cell by using triple-junction compound

Sharp develops a solar cell with 35.8% of high conversion efficiency using triple-junction compound solar cells targeting space satellites.

To boost the efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells, it is important to improve the crystallinity (the regularity of the atomic arrangement) in each photo-absorption layer (the top, middle, and bottom layer). It is also crucial that the solar cell be composed of materials that can maximize the effective use of solar energy.

Sharp uses now an in-forming InGaAs layer with high crystallinity by using its technology for forming layers. As a result, the amount of wasted current has been minimized, and the conversion efficiency, which had been 31.5% in Sharp's previous cells, has been successfully increased to 35.8%.

Sharp achieved this breakthrough as part of a research and development initiative promoted by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) on the theme of "R&D on Innovative Solar Cells".