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Liquid crystal technology promises 14% Masdar PV module efficiency
A research and development collaboration between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and Masdar PV, a leading manufacturer of silicon-based films, has the potential to push solar module efficiency beyond 20%. This partnership is focused on advancing thin-film crystalline silicon technology through innovative methods such as liquid crystal crystallization (LPC), which has already shown promising results.
Recent breakthroughs at HZB have demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 582mV from glass-on-crystal silicon coated with a 10µm layer of silicon. This achievement marks a significant step forward in improving the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic modules. According to Professor Bernd Rech of HZB, thin-film crystalline silicon offers a unique combination of high efficiency and low material costs, bridging the gap between traditional crystalline silicon and thin-film technologies. He emphasized that this approach allows for the use of large quantities of usable materials, making it a scalable and economically viable option.
Rech added that the long-term goal is to surpass 20% efficiency with thin-film silicon, potentially outperforming conventional crystalline silicon technology. Initially, the project aimed to achieve 14% module efficiency using LPC technology, but both HZB/PvcomB and Masdar PV see this as just a starting point.
Professor Rutger Schlatmann, head of HZB’s PvcomB technology transfer division, noted that they expect thin-film crystalline silicon cells to reach 14% efficiency in the short to medium term. He also expressed confidence in the rapid progress being made in this field, highlighting the growing potential of this technology.
Masdar PV plans to integrate this technology into its existing production lines and will apply it to its large-area (5.7 m²) substrates in the future. The company's Managing Director, Tushita Ranchan, stated that investing in next-generation thin-film silicon on glass will help them compete more effectively with traditional crystalline PV manufacturers. Rather than relying solely on advanced skills, Masdar aims to leverage economies of scale to strengthen its market position.