New Industry Products

SunPower Announces A-300 Silicon Solar Cell

May 12, 2003 by Jeff Shepard

SunPower Corp. (Sunnyvale, CA) announced sampling of the A-300 silicon solar cell, which is based on a unique rear-contact design and achieves over 20% efficiency compared with currently available cells in the 12% to 15% range. The 125mm, single-crystal, A-300 cell generates 3W of electricity and delivers 3kW in less than 17m². The A-300 solar cells are suitable for rooftop systems, communications, building-integrated photovoltaic systems and consumer applications.

The A-300 cells eliminate front-side metallization by utilizing a patented rear-contact design to provide more cosmetic uniformity and maximize energy generation. The products have been developed on a 2MW pilot line in preparation for a full-scale manufacturing facility to be established in the near future. The production line enables SunPower to manufacture solar cells with less raw material and higher throughput.

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. is sharing its expertise in technology development and high-volume manufacturing with SunPower, providing the solar cell company with a substantial competitive advantage. The 2MW manufacturing line that yielded the A-300 cells is adjacent to Cypress's manufacturing facility in Round Rock, TX. A future SunPower manufacturing facility is under consideration for a site nearby Cypress's high-volume assembly and test facility in the Philippines.

The A-300 will be available in limited quantities in the second half of 2003. Production quantities are expected to be available in 2004.