Trina Solar achieves record 22.61% efficiency for PERC cell
Chinese solar manufacturer Trina Solar has achieved 22.61% efficiency on its p-type PERC cell based on a large-sized (243.23 cm2) boron-doped Cz-Si substrate - the highest so far for this size using a low-cost industrial process. The levels were officially verified by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE CalLab, and beat Trina Solar's previous record of 21.1%. Company chief scientist and VP Pierre Verlinden said the firm's goal was to push for "technological innovation" and turn laboratory technology into commercial production.

Trina Solar, the Tier 1 Chinese solar manufacturer, has announced that it has reached a record 22.61% efficiency for its p-type mono-crystalline silicon PERC cell based on a large-sized (243.23 cm squared) boron-doped Cz-Si substrate.

This record surpasses the company’s previous world record of 21.1% set in July under industrial conditions, and is the highest conversion efficiency so far achieved using a low-cost industrial process on such a large substrate.

The efficiency has been verified by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE CalLab, Trina Solar confirmed. Its State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of China (SKL PVST) achieved the record using back surface passivation, front surface advanced passivation and anti-LID technologies on the PERC cell.

“Over the last few year, our R&D team at SKL PVST has managed to continuously improve the efficiency of our mono- and multi-crystalline silicon PERC solar cells, pushing the limits of technology and surpassing our previous records,” said Trina Solar chief scientist and VP Pierre Verlinden.

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Verlinden added that Trina is eager to demonstrate that PERC cell production is achievable on an industrial scale, and confirmed that the goal of reaching 25% efficiency – first found possible by the University of New South Wales under lab conditions 17 years ago – is within grasp.

“In an innovation-driven PV industry,” he continued, “Trina Solar has always been focused on improving cell conversion efficiency and reducing system costs through the development of leading-edge PV technologies and products. Our goal is to insist on technological innovation and transfer as quickly as possible the laboratory technology to commercial production.”

In July, Trina’s 21.1% record was achieved using its standard production lines. This figure was just 1% shy of the world record achieved in laboratory conditions in 2015. Mono PERC efficiency records under have been broken regularly in 2016, with Taiwan’s Gintech reaching 21.44% in January, albeit under laboratory conditions. SolarWorld managed 22% that same month, but believes it requires a little more time to transfer such efficiencies into mass production.