Coming Out of the Shade

Solar cells collect power by means of a network of surface-mounted contacts, but this network blocks some of the sunlight falling on the cells. Thanks to a new technique for depositing metal onto the cells, this 245-watt panel has contacts a quarter the size of those in a conventional screen-printed network, letting more light through. Combined with a new surface-texturing process, this improves the efficiency of the cells by up to 10 percent.

Product: HiPerforma 245W module
Cost: Varies
Availability: Now
Source: ap.suntech-power.com
Companies: Suntech