SERIS will provide research and development services to develop a high efficiency crystalline solar cell by printing contacts on the solar cell's rear to increase front surface exposure to sunlight.

Trina Solar targets to realise up to 21.5% production efficiency, and up to 23.5% laboratory test efficiency, with project completion within three years following commencement in June 2010.

In exchange for the project's intellectual property rights, Trina Solar will cover the cost of the research project.

Prof Armin Aberle, Cluster Director Silicon Photovoltaics at SERIS, says: "We expect the technology to be transferred to the production line and ready for commercial production within the next three years."