Fraunhofer ISE sets new records for solar efficiency

Triple-junction cells made of silicon and III-V materials reach 34.1 percent and 24.3 percent efficiency

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have succeeded in raising the efficiency value of monolithic triple-junction solar cells made of silicon and III-V semiconductor materials.

Using a combination of multiple absorber materials, these multi-junction photovoltaic cells exploit the energy from the solar spectrum significantly better than conventional silicon solar cells. The world record for a monolithic multi-junction solar cell manufactured by wafer bonding has been increased to 34.1 percent and an efficiency record of 24.3 percent achieved for a solar cell with the III-V semiconductor layers deposited directly on the silicon.