DGAP-News: Q-Cells SE / Key word(s): Miscellaneous/Product Launch
Q-Cells SE: Q-Cells develops world-record-breaking polycrystalline
solar module
02.03.2011 / 13:33
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PRESS RELEASE
Q-Cells develops world-record-breaking polycrystalline solar module
- Q-Cells SE has developed a record-breaking polycrystalline module with
an efficiency rating of 17.84 per cent and output of 268 watts,
demonstrating its technological leadership
Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, 2 March 2011 - Q-Cells SE, one of the world's
leading photovoltaic companies, has used new cell technology to break the
world record in the field of polycrystalline solar modules. The ESTI
(European Solar Test Installation) confirmed independently that the module
has a record efficiency rating of 17.84 per cent in relation to the
aperture area. The module's output of 268 watts underlines Q-Cells'
technological leadership in the sector as well as its leadership in quality
innovations in Germany.
This top-class module from Q-Cells contains 60 high-efficiency
polycrystalline cells with dimensions of 156 x 156 mm², produced in-house
and arranged in a conventional layout. Due to up-to-the-minute
technological processes, the module tested achieved a first in terms of
efficiency rating - 17.84 per cent on an area of 1.492 square metres
(aperture area). The independent photovoltaic calibration laboratory run by
the ESTI (European Solar Test Installation) confirmed the record-breaking
efficiency rating to the solar company Q-Cells.
The base material for the high-efficiency solar cells used in the module is
conventional, 180-µm-thick polycrystalline silicon wafers, which were
metallised on the back side and passivated in Q-Cells' in-house research
centre with functional nanolayers. This new type of structure for the back
side, consisting of dielectric layers combined with local contacts,
improves the solar cell's aesthetic and electrical characteristics and
significantly boosts its output as compared to the BSF (back surface field)
technology used up until now. The independent calibration laboratory run by
the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems confirmed that these
high-efficiency cells have a peak efficiency rating of 18.45 per cent. This
innovative structure of the rear side is suitable for a range of silicon
qualities and for very thin wafers. This creates potential for further cost
savings in industrial production.
The development of the technology was supported with funds from, among
others, the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt and the Federal Ministry for the
Environment (BMU).
'With the launch of the pilot production, Q-Cells gives an impressive
demonstration of its leading position in the field of crystalline solar
cells. On the basis of this technological platform, we will in future be
able to achieve efficiency ratings of 20 per cent cost-efficiently', says
Peter Wawer, Senior Vice President Technology at Q-Cells SE, emphasising
the significance of this development. 'Thanks to our close intertwinement
of research, development and production at the Thalheim site we will
convert the research results into series production of a future generation
of Q-Cells solar cells and solar modules.'
The implementation of this technological improvement at the German site
will be followed by the transfer of the technology to the production
facility in Malaysia.
More than 200 scientists and engineers work in Q-Cells' in-house research
centre, the Rainer Lemoine research centre, on quickly and sustainably
reducing the costs involved in photovoltaics by implementing new
technologies. The close connection between research, development and
production at Q-Cells makes it possible for the company to transfer
innovations into mass-production in as short a space of time as possible
and thus maintain its technological leadership in the photovoltaic sector.
Technical data for record-breaking module made of polycrystalline silicon
solar cells:
Efficiency rating: 17.84 per cent (in relation to aperture area)
Module area: 1.492 m² (aperture area)
Open circuit voltage: 38.86 v
Short circuit current: 9.04 A
Module output: 268 W
Technical data of high-efficiency cell made of polycrystalline silicon:
Efficiency rating: 18.45 per cent
Open circuit voltage: 647 mV
Short-circuit current density: 36.8 mA/cm²
Links:
Charts:http://www.q-cells.com/medien/presse/pressefotos/2011/03_world_reco
rd_csi_module/2011_QCE_Graphs_world-record-module.zip
Pictures of Q-Cells:
http://www.q-cells.com/en/company/press/media_and_download/index.html
Press release:
http://www.q-cells.com/en/company/press/corporate_news/index.html
About Q-Cells SE:
The Q-Cells Group is one of the world's leading photovoltaics companies and
offers a wide range of photovoltaic solutions, from solar cells and modules
to solar power plants. Q-Cells's products are developed and manufactured at
its headquarters in Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Germany) and marketed via its global
sales network. It also has a second production plant in Malaysia. More
than 200 scientists and engineers at Q-Cells are working to swiftly advance
solar technology and achieve Q-Cells' twin aims: driving down the costs of
photovoltaics quickly and permanently, and making solar power competitive.
The close links between R&D and production enable Q-Cells to rapidly
translate cutting-edge innovation into mass production - and underpin its
ambition to be at the forefront of photovoltaic technology.
Q-Cells is quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (QCE; ISIN DE0005558662)
and also listed on the TecDAX, the German technology index.
Contact information:
Q-Cells SE
OT Thalheim,
Sonnenallee 17 - 21
06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen
Germany
www.q-cells.com
Corporate Communications:
Alberta Rohardt, Daniel Paul Schreiter
Tel.: +49 - (0)3494 - 6699 10121
presse@q-cells.com
Investor Relations:
Stefan Lissner
Tel.: +49 - (0)3494 - 6699 10101
investor@q-cells.com
End of Corporate News
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02.03.2011 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a
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Language: English
Company: Q-Cells SE
Sonnenallee 17-21, OT Thalheim
06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen
Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)3494 - 6699-0
Fax: +49 (0)3494 - 6699-199
E-mail: q-cells@q-cells.com
Internet: www.q-cells.com
ISIN: DE0005558662, Wandelanleihe 2012: DE000A0LMY64,
Wandelanleihe 2014: DE000A1AGZ06, Wandelanleihe 2015:
DE000A1E8HF6
WKN: 555866
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard);
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München,
Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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DGAP-News: Q-Cells SE: Q-Cells develops world-record-breaking polycrystalline solar module
| Source: EQS Group AG