The independent Fraunhofer ISE CalLab has confirmed a new world record of multicrystalline PV module conversion efficiency set by Hanhwa Q CELLS. The 19.5% efficiency record was realized on Hanwha Q CELLS’ Q.ANTUM technology platform and has been published in the scientific journal "Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications" in June 2016.
The 19.5% efficiency was achieved by Hanwha Q CELLS’ multicrystalline PERC solar module with a standard size of 1670 x 1000 mm2, equal to Hanwha Q CELLS’ current 60-cell modules. Such efficiency also brings a power output of 301W, the first time in PV industry for PV modules with the same size to break the 300W barrier.
The record breaking prototype contains high-efficiency multicrystalline Q.ANTUM solar cells with four busbars produced in the company's Center for Technology Innovation and Quality in Thalheim, Germany. In addition to the size, the record-breaking module’s components are identical to what are currently being used in company's mass-scale commercial production lines, representing that this technology will be highly potential for commercialization.
"Hanwha Q CELLS produces Q.ANTUM-based high efficiency products in large scales from our state of the art international production facilities with a production track record of over 1.5 GW since 2012," said Daniel Jeong, Head of Global R&D at Hanwha Q CELLS. "The new world-record prototype clearly points the way, as to where Q.ANTUM can bring performance and efficiency of commercial multicrystalline PV modules in the near future."