JA Solar and ECN will work together to produce cost-effective, high-efficiency solar modules using MWT.

The MWT technology is said to minimise shading loss at the front solar cell surface, resulting in an increased active front surface area of the solar cell. Modules can be assembled in a fully automated process with Eurotron equipment.

The technology allows handling of thin solar cells at high throughput and yield.

ECN has recently successfully manufactured high-efficiency MWT solar modules, achieving 17.0% (aperture area) efficiency for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with multi-crystalline silicon cells.

18.9% efficiency solar cell

JA Solar also launched its SECIUM high efficiency solar cells with a 18.9% conversion efficiency at Intersolar.

According to JA Solar, the SECIUM solar cells “enable substantially better spectral response at short wavelengths in comparison to standard solar cells.”

The solar cells have increased open circuit voltage, increased short circuit current and a reduction in recombination losses.

Pilot production of the SECIUM cells began in May with commercial volume production anticipated in the second half of 2010.

The 18.9% conversion efficiency results have been independently certified by The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany.