Sol Voltaics claims GaAs nanowire world-record for solar energy
As independently verified by Fraunhofer-ISE, Sol Voltaics has demonstrated a 1-sun conversion efficiency of 15.3% in a GaAs NWA solar cell, representing a milestone towards providing the solar industry with an efficiency boosting tandem film.
The figure is the highest efficiency reported to date in a III-V NWA solar cell, and twice the prior record for GaAs NWA technology. Control of the high density of surface states of native GaAs is essential for PV applications, and these results prove that the company has resolved this challenge in the growth of solar cell nanowires.
“The efficiency of our GaAs nanowires is a critical component of our low cost film. The use of III-V materials in the PV industry has always been a goal but the costs have been prohibitive. Using Sol Voltaic’s Aerotaxy nanowire production methodology allows our III-V film to be produced at competitive cost at efficiencies that are industry changing,” said Erik Smith, chief executive officer of Sol Voltaics. “We look forward to working with industrial partners on the integration of our technology on to Si cells so they may make the leap to 27% efficiency and beyond.”
Related articles and links:
News articles:
Dual nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently
Nanowire tuning improves LED lighting and PV performance
Germanium nanowire process could improve lithium-ion batteries
