Mitsubishi Electric Corp claims it has improved its conversion efficiency rate for a 150 x 150mm practical-size multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell by 0.3 points, from 18.6% to 18.9%. Combined with the technology previously announced to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency rate in multi-crystalline silicon PV cells, and a new method that efficiently absorbs infrared rays in sunlight, the company claims it is able to achieve a new world record of 18.9%.The company said it has improved efficiency in utilizing infrared rays by 26% compared to its previous PV cells. The new PV cell has a rear-surface reflection structure, which reflects infrared rays that reach its rear surface to allow the cell to absorb more light.
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