Panasonic Corporation announced on March 2nd that it had achieved a photovoltaic module conversion efficiency of 23.8% (aperture area: 11,562 cm2) at research level, a major increase over the previous world record for crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic modules.
The new mark breaks the record for the world highest conversion efficiency by a full percentage point. The previous record for the conversion efficiency of a crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic module was 22.8%.
Panasonic had announced a world’s highest conversion efficiency of 25.6% in its silicon heterojunction cells in April 2014. Panasonic now holds the world records of conversion efficiency for both crystalline silicon-based solar cells and modules.
The company developed a unique silicon heterojunction structure composed of crystalline silicon substrate and amorphous silicon layers, and has continuously improved its photovoltaic Module HIT using silicon heterojunction since the start of commercial production.