By Kari Williamson

The research collaboration, which is an extension of the Project PANDA from 2009, aims to reduce metal coverage compared to 'standard' crystalline solar PV cells by up to 40%, which again could lead to a 1.5% efficiency gain, by using N-type metal wrap through (N-MWT) solar PV cell and module technology.

Solar PV modules based on N-MWT technology can be made with thin solar cells at high yield.

Jingfeng Xiong, Vice President of Technology at Yingli, says: “Together this joint project, we target to reach towards 20% cell efficiency and module efficiencies of 18% or more. The launch of N-MWT PV cell and module illustrates our mission to be a cost leader and provide the best product to customers at the same time.”