Trina Solar Limited (TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from ingots to modules, announced through its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd., the signing of a three year research agreement with the Australian National University ("ANU"). The joint research and development agreement is expected to receive more than AUD3 million funding from the Australian Solar Institute ("ASI"). The ASI is part of the Australian Government's Clean Energy Initiative and aims to promote and support new innovative research ideas.
Under the term of the agreement, Trina Solar will collaborate with ANU to develop industry-ready n-type monocrystalline solar cells. The project aims to develop high efficiency n-type silicon solar cells with conversion efficiencies of 20% for mass production by leveraging existing and proven processing tools currently used for p-type cells. In addition, the project will aim to improve the efficiency of Trina Solar's standard p-type multicrystalline silicon solar cells, by increasing commercial production efficiency to approximately 19%.
"We are very excited to announce this research agreement with the AustralianNational University, which will help Trina Solar remain at the forefront of high-efficiency solar cell production," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar. "Our solar products are among the best performing in the solar space and we continue to enhance their performance while maintaining our cost leadership."
Project leader Associate Professor Daniel Macdonald from the AustralianNational University said that the outcome of this research is expected to make solar energy more affordable. "We are pleased to partner with Trina Solar in this project, and we look forward to working together to bring innovative new technologies into production. We hope this will be the start of a long-lasting partnership that will benefit both parties."
