What are multi-junction solar cells? Are they more efficient? - India Renewable Energy Consulting – Solar, Biomass, Wind, Cleantech
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When it comes to solar cells and panels, one of the most hotly discussed topics is the efficiency of the solar cell.

As is well known, monocrystalline solar panels have a much higher efficiency (sometimes as high as 23%) at the cell level, while most multicrystalline solar panels usually have efficiencies less than 18% at the cell level.

So, as of 2016, 23% or thereabouts is the highest efficiency shown by solar cells. But is this the highest possible?

Not really. When we talk about solar cells and modules, we usually refer to those that have a single p-n junction. But it is also possible to have solar cells with more than one p-n junction, cells that are called multi-junction solar cells.

Multi-junction solar cells can have efficiencies much higher than the best single-junction solar cell can.

Surely then, the topic of multi-junction solar cells and panels must be quite interesting?

Here are the nice folks from Solar Mango providing more details on the multi junction solar cells and inputs on their efficiencies. (part of Innovations in Solar series)

Also check out: EAI Consulting for Solar Energy – Solar PV & Solar Thermal


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heterojunction solar cell

monocrystalline solar cell

multi junction solar cell

multicrystalline solar panels

single junction solar cell

solar panel efficiency

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