Aiko Solar, a global leader in solar cell manufacturing, has partnered with the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) in a $4 million R&D project to develop next-generation silicon solar cells using photon multiplication (PM) technology.
This project marks the first major R&D initiative under the ACAP Industry Consortium, a strategic alliance between ACAP and its industry partners.
This project aims to surpass the 29% efficiency limit of traditional crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells by generating multiple electron-hole pairs from high-energy photons, significantly enhancing energy conversion without the complexity of tandem structures.
The project integrates seamlessly with current solar manufacturing, enabling Interdigitated back contact IBC cells to achieve beyond 30% efficiency with minimal production changes.
This project marks the first major R&D initiative under the ACAP Industry Consortium, a strategic alliance between ACAP and its industry partners. As part of a long-term partnership, Aiko Solar is investing in the next generation of solar technology, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the future of sustainable energy with a long-term industry perspective. This partnership is just the beginning of a series of ambitious projects aimed at accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge PV technologies.
"Aiko Solar leads the world in back-contact cell manufacturing, and we are excited to collaborate on this groundbreaking initiative " said Professor Martin Green, founder of ACAP. " With UNSW’s world-class research capabilities and Aiko’s industry leadership, we aim to push the boundaries of photovoltaic performance and shape the future of solar energy."
Executive Director of ACAP, Professor Renate Egan said, “The ACAP Consortium serves as the foundation for this partnership, bringing together leading academic institutions and industry partners to foster innovation and drive the development of high-efficiency solar technologies.
"This joint effort exemplifies how collaborative R&D can overcome technical barriers, setting new benchmarks for the solar industry.”
About ACAP
The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) is a world-leading research centre dedicated to advancing solar PV technologies. Funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), ACAP collaborates with Australia’s top universities and research institutions, driving innovation and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.
Read more about Partnerships with the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.
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