Sharp Corporation will launch sales of a single-crystal photovoltaic (PV) module with a conversion efficiency of 17.4 percent, the word's top conversion efficiency for a module designed for residential application. This breakthrough was made possible by innovations in electrode design and PN-junction technology that reduce leakage currents and generating current losses, along with other technology that minimizes module interconnect resistance losses.

This achievement will enable installation of a 3kW PV generating system in a area of just 17.3 square meters, the smallest surface area requirement in the industry. Conventional modules require 23.1 square meters, which has meant that units could be installed on only 74 percent of Japanese homes. The new module reduces the space requirement by 25 percent, increasing to 93 percent the proportion of homes that could accept the module.

The module measures 1200 x 802 x 55milimeters, weighs 14 kilograms and its suggested retail price is 118,000 yen (about U.S.$990), excluding tax.



Posted: 2003/06/07 10:11:06 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Manufacturing industry , Technology