Natcore reaches 19.4% efficiency for all-back-contact solar cell

Natcore Technology Inc (CVE:NXT) has achieved an efficiency of 19.4% in its latest demonstration all-back-contact solar cell, the solar research and development (R&D) firm said on Tuesday.

The company's scientists have managed to boost efficiency from 17.5%, announced in June, after they found a way to reduce resistance from laser-formed contacts. Natcore scientists have discovered a new laser-based contacting process that overcomes issues related to resistance at the base contact in the "Natcore Foil Cell" all-back-contact cell.

"Considering the rapid achievement of these good results, prior even to serious optimization of this new approach, we expect to announce devices soon with efficiencies considerably over 20%," said David Levy, Natcore's director of research and technology.

President and chief executive Chuck Provini said that while Donald Trump's election has prompted fears that solar incentives might be rolled back or eliminated, this is a positive development for an R&D company like Natcore as without subsidies cell manufacturers would be under pressure to innovate and consider the company's technology.

Natcore, which has an R&D centre in Rochester, New York, is focused on using nanotechnology to change how solar cells are made with the aim of lowering costs and improving efficiencies.

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