At the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hameln (ISFH) we are working to advance the entire spectrum of photovoltaic research through innovations, ranging from silicon wafers, solar cells and modules to solar systems. Our cutting-edge research focuses on increasing the efficiency of solar cells, reducing the manufacturing costs of solar cells, modules and systems and improving the reliability of PV components and systems. An efficiency of an individual, albeit particularly good solar cell determined in the laboratory can never alone reflect the innovative power of a research institution such as ISFH. Nevertheless, we are of course delighted when good results from our company are quoted worldwide and generate positive attention.
Our current record efficiency of 26.1%, which we have achieved using the contact structure of polysilicon on (silicon) oxide (POLO) developed at ISFH, has now been included in the list of the highest efficiencies of solar cells and modules confirmed by independent and recognised calibration and test laboratories, the “Solar Cell Efficiency Tables” (M.A. Green, Y. Hishikawa, E.D. Dunlop, D.H. Levi, J. Hohl-Ebinger, A.W.Y. Ho-Baillie, Solar cell efficiency tables (version 52), Prog Photovolt Res Appl. 26, 427-436 (2018), https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3040). In addition to the inclusion in this half-yearly updated list, the record efficiency confirmed by the Calibration and Test Centre at ISFH (ISFH-CalTeC) is also included in the list of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies from research laboratories (https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/images/efficiency-chart.png) which has been continuously updated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) from the USA since 1976.
The current research work of ISFH’s Emerging Solar Cell Technologies Group already shows the potential for further efficiency increases. In addition to achieving record efficiencies, ISFH is working together with German equipment manufacturers to transfer the efficiency advantage of POLO technology into the industrial production of current solar cells.