Verified by Fraunhofer ISE (Institute for Solar Energy) in Freiburg, Q-Cells have beaten their own record module efficiencies for multicrystalline-based wafers. The new world record efficiency rating is 18.1%, which beats its recently established record of 17.8%. Q-Cells claims to have the first multicrystalline-based modules that have efficiencies above 18%.

“The series of world records in the fields of crystalline silicon and CIGS thin-film technologies underscores our quality promise and is proof of our technological top position as a German producer in the solar industry,” commented, Peter Wawer, Senior Vice President Technology with Q-Cells SE.

The Q.ANTUM cell technology used to achieve record module performance, is based on 180-??m-thick multicrystalline wafers, which were metallised on the back side and passivated with functional nanolayers. Dielectric layers combined with local contacts are used to form a new type of structure for the back side that can accommodate a range of silicon qualities and thin wafers thicknesses.

In April 2011, a cell produced on the basis of the Q.ANTUM technology had marked a record efficiency of 19.5%.