Record-breaking solar panel efficiency
A new world record for PV solar cell efficiency was recently reached by Silicon Valley-based SunPower Corporation. Last week, it claimed to have accomplished over 24% conversion from sunlight to electricity with silicon solar panels at its manufacturing plant in the Philippines. U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed the solar panel manufacturer’s claim.
Aside from achieving this new world record, what is the significance of improved solar cell efficiency?
With higher conversion rates, more electricity can be generated from the same number of solar panels, which can save the user money. More efficient solar panels also reduce the energy cost per watt and per kilowatt-hour.
In SunPower Corporation’s press release, its founder and chief technology officer, Dr. Richard Swanson stated:
“As we celebrate SunPower’s 25th anniversary this year, I am thrilled to see the company achieve technology milestones that were inconceivable only a few years ago. SunPower’s research and development and engineering teams have increased cell efficiency by a full four percentage points over the last five years while radically driving down manufacturing costs. We are extremely proud of their continued success.”
Over the past 5 years, SunPower has been steadily increasing PV solar cell efficiency, making gains of more than four percentage points in that short period of time.
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet’s most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company’s experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
Tags: pv panels, pv solar cell, solar cell efficiency, solar electricity, solar panel manufacturer, sunpower corporation
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