Chinese solar manufacturer Aiko is collaborating with the Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) to develop interdigitated back contact (IBC) silicon solar cells with a conversion efficiency of more than 30%.
While the technical limit of conversion efficiency for crystalline solar cells is around 29%, the partners are aiming for a value of over 30% by generating multiple electron-hole pairs from high-energy photons without the additional complexity of tandem structures. A tandem solar cell is a tandem solar cell that uses several solar cells stacked on top of each other, usually made of different materials. These layers have different band gaps, allowing a wider range of wavelengths of light to be converted into electricity.
Assuming success, the technology developed as part of the $4 million research and development project could be integrated into current solar manufacturing with minimal production changes.
Professor Martin Green, founder of ACAP at the University of New South Wales and often referred to as the “father of solar energy”, was also founder of the Solar Photovoltaics Group at UNSW in 1974. He was one of the principal inventors of PERC ( PERC is used in many solar modules available today and was (is?) the dominant technology. While TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) appears to be replacing PERC, IBC has the potential to make TOPCon the most widely used technology push away.
Commenting on the partnership, Professor Green said:
“With UNSW’s world-class research capabilities and AIKO’s industry leadership, we aim to push the boundaries of photovoltaic performance and shape the future of solar energy.”
ACAP was founded in 2013 and is funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), university and industry partners. In July this year, ACAP’s Industry Consortium initiative launched with founding industry partners, including Aiko.
“The ACAP consortium serves as the foundation for this partnership, bringing together leading academic institutions and industry partners to foster innovation and advance the development of high-efficiency solar technologies,” said Professor Renate Egan, Executive Director of ACAP.
As easy as ABC/IBC
With Aiko’s ABC (All Back Contact) technology, also known as IBC, all electrical contacts are on the back of the solar cell. The positive and negative contacts are arranged in an interlocking manner; This facilitates the efficient flow of electrons. By eliminating metal bands on the front, shading is reduced.
Additionally, AIKO’s ABC technology does not use expensive silver, but rather much cheaper and more abundant copper to bond to the silicon. According to Aiko, this also increases the mechanical strength and flexibility of the cell and reduces the risk of microcracks forming, which can impact power production and module life.
ABC/IBC technology can also be combined with materials other than silicon, such as perovskite for tandem cells.
Aiko is making a name for herself in Australia
Aiko Solar has only been on the Australian home solar scene since March this year, but is already causing a stir. Last month, the company launched what it claims is the most powerful residential rooftop solar panel currently available in Australia1; the Neostar 2P 470 watt module with 108 N-type ABC cells.
According to Finn Peacock, founder of SolarQuotes, Aiko produces highly efficient, shade-tolerant solar panels at competitive prices:
“Although they are a relative newcomer to the Australian market, based on feedback from installers we trust we find them to be of good quality and support and are happy to recommend them.”
AIKO can be found in SQ’s table of recommended panel brands.
The company was recently present at the All-Energy Australia exhibition and conference in Melbourne, where it introduced the Neostar (dimensions: 1757 x 1134 mm) and also its Infinite module range, which at 2382 x 1134 mm is best suited for utility and C&I applications are suitable.
Footnotes
- JinkoSolar recently launched the Tiger Neo 3.0 DG, which delivers up to 495 watts – but I don’t think it’s currently available here ↩
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