Singapore achieves 21.5% efficiency from printed solar cell
The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has achieved a 21.5% average efficiency for its printed silicon solar cell technology. The bifacial MonoPoly technology can be used on both n-type and p-type wafers, and aims to offer similar efficiency levels to modern passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) concepts, at lower cost. SERIS will now seek to improve the cells' efficiency and expects to reach the 23% mark though improvements to materials and the production process.
SERIS has reached 21.5% average efficiency using its monoPoly silicon solar cell technology. The institute used a pilot scale production line, and commercially available Si wafers.

The technology developed by SERIS, named MonoPoly, is bifacial and can be applied to both n-type and p-type wafers. It aims to provide similar efficiency levels to modern PERC concepts, at a lower cost.

“MonoPoly cells use the same tools and fewer process steps compares standard p-type PERC technology,” says Shubham Duttagupta, head of SERIS monocrystalline silicon solar cell group.

“[It delivers] a very attractive cost of ownership for solar cell manufacturers seeking to boost cell efficiencies in their current production lines, or planning for new production lines.”

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The team will now work on pushing efficiencies even higher, and expects to break the 23% mark through material improvements and fine tuning of production processes.

“This result is a testament to SERIS’ long-standing commitment to work closely with the solar industry to reduce the $/watt, improve the cell efficiencies and increase the margins of our industry partners through technology innovation,” added SERIS CEO Armin Aberle.

Earlier in 2017, SERIS announced the beginning of a three-year research partnership with JinkoSolar, which is focused on bifacial cell technology.