Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced its achievement of a world record photoelectric conversion efficiency rate of 18.6 percent in a 150-millimeter square practical use multi-crystalline silicon solar cell, an improvement of 0.6 percent over the company’s previous record. In a 150-millimeter square practical-use multi-crystalline silicon solar cell, Mitsubishi Electric has achieved the world’s highest conversion efficiency rate of 18.6 percent by adding a low reflectivity surface texture on the multi-crystalline silicon wafer, by optimizing the p-n junction to increase electric current generation and by developing a process to print electrodes on the surface of the silicon (metallization) to reduce shade loss of front grid electrodes. This technology contributes to higher efficiency in small installations such as narrow roofs.

While silicon is an essential component in the wafers used to make solar cells, the supply of silicon has not been able to keep up with demand. This is driving research into the development of thinner wafers that not only use less silicon, but also have improved efficiency and increased electrical output.