Sanyo develops HIT solar cells with 23pc energy conversion efficiency

TOKYO, JAPAN: SANYO Electric Co. Ltd. has broken its own record for the world’s highest energy conversion efficiency in practical size (100 cm2 or more) crystalline silicon-type solar cells, achieving a efficiency of 23 percent (until now 22.3 percent) at a research level for its proprietary HIT solar photovoltaic cells.

SANYO is pushing forward with the expansion of its solar business, based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’, and aims to realize a clean energy society.

The increase in the solar cell conversion efficiency this time is accompanied by significant advances in lowering the production cost of the photovoltaic system and the reduction in the use of raw materials such as silicon.

This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through the 23 percent mark in conversion efficiency at the research-level for practical-sizxed solar cells, and further cements the leadership of SANYO’s HIT solar cell which is renowned for its high conversion efficiency.

For now on SANYO will continue to advance its efforts into applying this research-level achievement into mass production, and promote further research into energy efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and materials.