PVTIME – Fraunhofer ISE has upgraded the efficiency of its III-V germanium photovoltaic modules, increasing performance from 34.2% to 34.4% by refining the cell interconnection architecture.
This improvement stems from shingle-matrix technology, which was developed in collaboration with a German mechanical engineering partner. Rather than using conventional tinned copper ribbons, this approach cuts cell strips into narrow slices and arranges them in an overlapping formation, secured by conductive adhesive. This reduces shading and boosts the usable surface area.
Azur Space Solar Power led the project coordination and adapted the triple-junction III-V germanium cells, which were originally designed for use in aerospace, to suit terrestrial solar conditions and mass-manufacturable formats. The German firm Temicon provided anti-reflective coatings for the front glass of the module.
This progress further consolidates Germany’s leading position in the research of high-efficiency III-V photovoltaics, a technology that has traditionally been used for space and concentrated photovoltaic systems, but is now being increasingly trialled for ground deployment. The new module builds on the team’s earlier achievement under the Vorfahrt research project, which produced a 833 cm² module with 34.2% efficiency.
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