The test cell's performance, confirmed by the US Dept. of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), far surpassed the previous record of 16.7 percent set in 2001.
First Solar's research and development group studies a PV test cell constructed using commercial-scale manufacturing equipment and materials.
"This is a significant milestone that demonstrates the ongoing potential of our advanced thin-film technology," said Dave Eaglesham, Chief Technology Officer at First Solar. "This leap forward in R&D supports our efficiency roadmap for our production modules and will recalibrate industry expectations for the long-term efficiency potential of CdTe technology."
Rob Gillette, First Solar’s CEO, said the achievement was a direct result of the company’s investment in research and development and its commitment to continuous improvement.
"First Solar's innovation in both module technology and balance of systems engineering continues to drive us closer to grid parity," Gillette said.
The average efficiency of First Solar modules produced in the first quarter of 2011 was 11.7 percent, up from 11.1 percent a year earlier, and the company has recorded full-module efficiencies over 13.5 percent, with a 13.4 percent module confirmed by NREL.
First Solar's module efficiency roadmap sets a goal for production-module efficiencies of 13.5-14.5 percent by the end of 2014.
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