There have been researches going around the world amongst various solar cells manufacturers to improve the conversion efficiencies. But the progress on this front has been very very slow. There have been many technologies with mono, poly crystalline cells but the conversion efficiency the most important parameter for a solar module manufacturer, had been hovering at abysmal 15.5% for last 15 years.

Sandia National Labs was earlier holding this record.But Suntech Power Holdings, has now claimed to slightly better this record to 15.6% level. Tests were conducted at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany with commercial grade module manufactured by Suntech. And the results have been accepted by the scientific community.

Chinese company is the largest solar power company in the world and in their press release they have in fact announced that conversion efficiency could go up to even 16%. This would be very handsome increase from the levels of 15.5% which has remained stagnant for last 15 years.

Scientific journal, Progress in Photovoltaics (PIP) has confirmed and accepted the findings. Chinese companies have made remarkable improvements in solar PV technologies of late and this is another feather in their cap. Suntech on the other hand has claimed that they hope to go beyond these levels with their continued focus on R&D efforts.

At 3rd Renewable Energy Exhibition, New Delhi, so impressive was the display of solar products from Chinese and German companies that their numero-uno position was never in doubt.

With enhanced focus on environment and climate change, there would be more and more companies coming out and existing ones increasing their capacities to cater to the demand. Solar PV technology is sure to see the golden era in coming years.

Image from Flikr under creative commons by respres

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