Hanwha Q CELLS and 1366 Technologies co-develop multi-si PV cells with conversion efficiency up to 19.1%. The result proves that Q CELLS’ Q.ANTUM Technology and 1366 Technologies’ Direct Wafer are able to upgrade the power performance of PV products. Both companies have formed a strategic partnership to collaborate on the development of 1366's proprietary Direct Wafer™ Technology in March 2015.
Starting from efficiencies of 17.7 % in March, both companies reached a maximum efficiency of 19.1% using 1366's wafers in October 2015, as was independently confirmed by the Fraunhofer ISE institute. (read related post) This significant efficiency gain of 1.4 % in only seven months strongly shows the potential that lies in combining the unique technologies from both companies. Based on 1366 Technologies' multi-crystalline wafers, Hanwha Q CELLS has been applying its proprietary Q.ANTUM cell process (read related post) on the pilot line in its Technology & Innovation Headquarters in Germany.
Daniel Jeong, Global R&D Head at Hanwha Q CELLS said: "These latest results demonstrate the potential in combining 1366´s Direct Wafer Technology with our unique Q.ANTUM technology. Together they can push the efficiency limits of multi-crystalline solar cell technology while at the same time reducing the cost significantly."
"The disruptive nature of the Direct Wafer process is not only evident in the cost and material savings it provides, but in its ability to break the technology limitations of conventional wafer manufacturing. The rapid and significant efficiency gains we've achieved together with Hanwha Q CELLS will be further increased by new wafer features made possible with our process," said Frank van Mierlo, CEO, 1366 Technologies.
