Australia Developed Bifacial Solar Cells with 96.3% Bifacial Factor
Canberra-based university, The Australian National University’s (ANU) scientists have produced a different type of solar cell that is more efficient in comparison to other solar cells. These solar cells are dual-sided silicon solar cells. The front side of the solar cell has 24.3% of conversion efficiency and, the rear conversion efficiency is 23.4%, representing a bifacial factor of 96.3%. According to scientists, these cells’ effective power output is approximately 29%.
Dr. Marco Ernst, who is the Chief Researcher, has claimed that the numbers outstrip the performance of the best single-sided silicon solar cell.
Dr. Ernst said, “This is a world record for selectively laser-doped solar cells and among the highest-efficiency bifacial solar cells.”
The results claimed by the research team have also been independently verified by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Specific laser-doping techniques have been used to make these solar cells.
Further, Dr. Ernst added, “Laser-doping uses lasers to locally increase electrical conductivity,” Ernst said. “It is a low-cost, industry-compatible process for boosting solar cell efficiency.”
Dr. Keen Chern Fong, who is the principal researcher in this research, has also said, “The bifacial solar cells easily beat the performance of single-sided silicon solar cells and provide efficiency benefits for solar PV projects.”
Bifacial solar cells are commanding a growing share of the PV market. These cells absorb light from both the front and rear surfaces of the device, capturing albedo light reflected off the ground and roof surfaces that would otherwise be lost.
Dr. Fong further said, “We have developed what I would call a true bifacial solar cell, as it has nearly symmetrical power generation capacity on both surfaces of the device.
When deployed on a conventional solar farm, a bifacial cell absorbs direct incoming light, while also taking advantage of ground reflection, which can contribute up to an additional 30% power generation. Bifacial solar cells are becoming increasingly important in the rollout of solar farms and are expected to have a market share of over 50% in the next five years. Our work demonstrates the incredible capabilities of this technology.”
Such research in the solar industry has proved to be the latest milestone for ANU scientists, which received AUD 3.6 million ($2.6 million) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in January as part of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics Infrastructure project.
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