PV production technology: ISFH, SoLayTec demonstrate 20.1% PERC solar cell efficiency with spatial rear passivation

Sunday, 9.29.2013 - 2:05 (Solarserver)

ISFH (ISFH, Emmerthal, Germany) and SoLayTec (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) have achieved a conversion efficiency of 20.1% applying a 5nm thin spatial ALD Al2O3 layer as rear passivation of industrial-type PERC solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. So far, the spatial ALD process involved a Post Deposition Anneal (PDA) after the Al2O3 deposition. However, now ISFH and SoLayTec have proven that >20% PERC cells can be made without any additional PDA process. Read more

Pembina Institute and Greenpeace report: Renewables more affordable than nuclear in Ontario

Sunday, 9.29.2013 - 1:59 (Solarserver)

According to a new report by Pembina Institute (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and Greenpeace, Ontario’s government is urged to review its nuclear commitments in the next long-term energy plan, as its grid electricity demand is projected to drop back to 1992 levels by 2022. The report, titled “Renewable is Doable: Affordable and flexible options for Ontario's long-term energy plan”, reveals that investing in a portfolio of renewable energy options is a more cost-effective way to meet the Canadian province’s evolving energy needs, as green electricity sources like solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power can avoid the cost overruns associated with large nuclear projects. Read more